Durban, Richards Bay bus service opt out of national bus strike
Bus drivers across the country are considering downing tools next week over pay.
But their counterparts in Durban and Richards Bay say if that happens, they will not be taking part.
eThekwini's municipal bus service, Tansnat has assured commuters they will not be left stranded.
Fanie Joubert says their drivers are pleased with their salary increases.
"We had an agreement for the first few years. The drivers have been getting a 10% increase across the board. We didn't have a strike last year and we will not have a strike this year. Our drivers at Durban Transport are not going to participate in the strike as anticipated," Joubert said.
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Ikhwezi Bus Service in Richards Bay says its drivers will not join the strike action because they do not belong to the five unions calling for the work stoppage.
The unions, including SATAWU, say wage negotiations with employers have deadlocked.
Drivers want a one year, 12 percent increase across the board with a basic minimum wage of R8,000.
Employers are offering a three year agreement, with increases starting from 7 percent and a minimum wage of just over R6,000.