The South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) and Metrobus have agreed to resume talks to end the five week Metrobus industrial action, after a meeting convened by the Gauteng Premier, Nomvula Mokonyane.
Mokonyane last week met with the leadership of the Johannesburg City Metro and committed the provincial government to assisting the parties to resolve their differences and forge healthy working relationships.
This initial meeting was followed by an additional meeting where the Premier met with the SAMWU yesterday afternoon.
Today Tuesday, 26 May 2009 the two parties met and expressed their willingness and commitment in finding a lasting solution to the issues raised.
Premier Mokonyane said that she was encouraged by the optimism displayed by both sides in bringing this matter to a close.
I think the parties genuinely want to close this unfortunate chapter in their relations and go back to what they know how to do best providing quality public transport for the people of this world class city, the Premier added.
Mokonyane said she was confident that the planned municipal workers strike scheduled to take place on Thursday could be averted.
For more information contact:
Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government
26 May 2009
Source: Sapa
