May 03 2010 17:36 Print this article | Email article
Cape Town - Unions planning next week's rail strike were effectively putting a
gun to the head of the poor, Western Cape transport MEC Robin Carlisle said
on Monday.
He said he planned an urgent meeting with bus companies and other public
transport providers to ensure a reliable alternative for more than half a million
rail commuters who would be stranded by the strike.
His move followed a decision by the SA Transport and Allied Workers' Union
and the United Transport and Allied Trade Unions to embark on a joint strike
against the Passenger Rail Agency of SA and Transnet from May 10.
He said in a statement he understood that the unions were exercising their right
to strike.
However, it was unfair for commuters to have to bear the brunt of wage
disputes or any other labour deadlock.
"The unions are effectively putting a gun to the head of the commuter
struggling to put food on the table," he said.
"It is irresponsible for unions to embark on strikes without taking into due
consideration the impact of their protest on the lives of commuters."
- Sapa
Please see UTATU"s media statement in response to the following "outburst
