Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS) intends to challenge the planned strike by the National Union of All Sectors (NUFAS) in court. The union notified the company of its intention to begin the strike at midnight on Thursday, September 10th.
John Dammert, Head of Corporate Affairs and Human Resources for Golden Arrow, stated that the bus company has urgently approached the courts to contest the planned actions and will be able to report on the outcome of the legal proceedings on Wednesday.
Dammert apologized to passengers for the uncertainty and potential disruptions, emphasizing that the company recognizes the vital role of its services in the daily lives of thousands of people across Cape Town and does not take potential disruptions lightly.
Nevertheless, he stated that Golden Arrow cannot compromise on the safety of passengers, drivers, employees, or the public. According to Dammert, the company's operational policies, driving standards, and disciplinary procedures are designed primarily to ensure the safe and responsible operation of buses.
He noted that as a public transport operator carrying hundreds of thousands of passengers, Golden Arrow bears a fundamental responsibility for ensuring that drivers adhere to the highest standards of professional conduct and road safety.
The issues raised by NUFAS concern, among other things, the application of disciplinary procedures. Dammert stated that Golden Arrow does not accept the claim of unfair application of its procedures. The company insists that its policies are implemented in accordance with applicable labor legislation, collective agreements, established company procedures, and principles of procedural fairness.
According to Golden Arrow, if an employee believes a disciplinary action was applied unfairly, they have access to appropriate dispute resolution mechanisms, including processes through the South African Road Passenger Bargaining Council (SARPBAC).
Golden Arrow stated that it respects the constitutional rights of employees to participate in lawful and peaceful industrial action. At the same time, the company emphasized its duty to protect passengers, employees, and the public, and will take all reasonable steps to fulfill this responsibility.
Dammert concluded that the safety of people traveling on Golden Arrow buses, those who drive them, and everyone on the road with them cannot be compromised, and the company will provide further information after the court's decision on Wednesday.
