Bus strike hits public in pocket

NELSON Mandela Bay bus commuters are feeling the effects of the strike where it hurts most – their pockets.

The strike, which started last week, saw 700 Algoa Bus employees down tools – effectively bringing the fleet of about 412 buses to a standstill.

The employees embarked on the strike after claiming that the company had failed to honour various agreements struck with them through the collective bargaining process.

They also had problems with certain employment conditions and the company’s death benefits policy.

The strike, now in its sixth day, continues indefinitely as no resolution has been found yet.

Commuters, however, said all they wanted was for the buses to get back on the roads.

Siyabonga Jack, 34, said he could not afford to carry on paying so much extra to get to work and back every day.

-Amir Chetty