South African bus drivers are set to strike indefinitely since no wage increase settlement has yet been reached between the employer and trade unions.  Drivers have been on strike for almost two weeks, initially demanding a salary increase of 18%. It has since been reduced to 13%.  Employers have increased their offer from from 6, 5 to 9%.

The parties involved in the negotiations had until three o’clock on Tuesday to respond and indicate whether they are prepared to accept the settlement amount as proposed. 

The Commuter Bus Employer Chief Executive, Barry Gie says: “We were informed by the General Secretary, after 3 o’clock on Tuesday, that not all the parties had responded and as a consequence, there was no settlement. I know for a fact that both employer bodies did respond, so I can assume that one of that parties or two of the parties that didn’t respond was the trade union.”

South African Transport union, Satawu says it will not settle for anything less than a double-digit increase, as the bus strike continues. The bus strike is in its 12th day and has left thousands of commuters stranded across the country. 

Satawu spokesperson, Vincent Masoga says there are no talks planned for Thursday; however, they will be communicating with their members on a way forward.

For more http://www.sabc.co.za