SA in for serious trouble

[Gabor Kovacs]

IF I may . . . . .,

Even though this strike has the potential of serious implications for both local and international steam tourism in, or to SA, I feel that we should remain positive, despite the impending doom and gloom.
Operators, have been through several strikes already in the past few years, obviously not as sever as this, as suggest by the Trade Unions, with little or no effect to operations in the past.

The reason behind this positive sentiment, is that there many CTC offices around the country, and locally like PTA North CTC, that cannot be closed during this upcoming period of strike action, for numerous of reasons. In many cases, CTC offices will have to remain open, even if far fewer non-unionized staff or management man and operate CTC offices.

In the PTA area, and together with the route to Cullinan, the FOTR footplate staff on most occasions will only have to deal with two CTC offices, i.e. PTA North and Witbank. Both of which are “key” installations, which I feel that TFR will make every effort to keep them open for business, even though on a rather limited scale.

Therefor, I think operations would probably be open to some form of train or shunting movements, however it might not be as free flowing as normal!

I remain positive, and I hope some form of positive engaugement with TFR / PRASA / Metro Rail, has already been taken place with regards to operating during this period!

[Steve Appleton]

Gabbie, always good to see a positive attitude. Yes, if the CTCs remain operational, the private operators should be able to run, saving the situation. Let's hope they do!

[Dylan Knott]

Down here most stations on the Stellenbosch loop and Strand line are Van Schoor operated with mechanical signalling. TCO's at Swest are all contracted ex-Metro yardsmen so can easily operate the other stations on the lines if need be. Options remain to switch out the non-core stations as well. As Gabor says plans can and will be made.

[Chris Janisch]

I doubt any trains will run should the strike go ahead.
I have it on good authority that PRASA will not take the risk of running sets without a full complement of trained staff, for safety and security reasons. There is also the chance of violent action.
Private operators may not go out anyway without a pilot, so authority will not be forthcoming. I cannot see exceptions being made unless TFR keep going on a limited basis, but this is also highly unlikely.
Expect the rails of SA to fall silent from Monday. I do believe that the strike will be sorted out within a week or two as there is too much to lose after that.
Geoff knows and is making contigency plans. He can shuffle a bit if needs be, and remains upbeat.

[Jerome West]

From what I’ve heard it will be total shutdown by Metrorail.

[Chris Janisch]

Latest: lots of discussions behind closed doors but unions holding out for the magical 15%. Strike a big favourite in my book. Word is it could endure for 1-2 weeks.
I only wish I could increase my fees by 15% and still keep my clients!

[Jerome West]

The Salary Negotiations that took almost two months between UTATU and SATAWU vs PRASA (mother company) of Metrorail and Shosholoza Meyl has reached a deadlock on 6 May 2010. As a result of this deadlock a certificate of non resolution was issued by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).

The offer of a 5% across the board increase and 3% as a trade off for basic conditions of employment act was rejected by Labour. Labour demands a 15% ATB increase as from 1 April 2010.

Labour will now get mandates from their members to commence with legal strike action as determined in the Labour Relations Act (LRA).

If a mandate for strike is obtained the 48hours notice as determined in the LRA, will be served on the company (PRASA).
On Monday the 10th of May 2010 there will definitely be no strike thin PRASA as Labour will still be waiting for mandates.

Thus the irresponsible statement by Mr Lucky Montana Group CEO will be proved wrong as he “predicted” that Labour will go on strike on Monday and he also decided not to sell tickets and thus the commuters must pay more for their daily tickets due to his irrational decision.

Labour will advise the commuters when we will commence with the strike and we apologise for any inconvenience caused by our legal and protected strike.

We only act in terms of our constitutional rights and we do so informed by what is legal and legitimate.

If we receive the mandate from our members we will start mobilising towards the set date and ensure that it will be 100% successful as we represent the total work force.

We already received a legal opinion that even non unionized members are entitled to support our strike.

THIS MEANS THAT ON THIS SPECIFIC DAY 2 MILLION COMMUTORS WILL BE STRANDED.

NO STRIKE ACTION WILL TAKE PLACE ON MONDAY
10 MAY 2010 IN METRORAIL/SHOSHOLOZA MEYL.

http://www.utatu.co.za/index.php?option ... a-releases

[Dylan Knott]

Business Express running normally here today, all TCO's on duty!

[Stefan Andrzejewski]

I saw the usual Petrol tanker train rolling into Montegue Gardens this morning behind 36's. The Malmesbury Express (Class 35) broke down between Kraaifontein and Bellville early this morning causing chaos on the mainline to Wellington.

[Chris Janisch]

Limited service operating on north line. The Bosvelder ran last night, and I saw a freight heading out around midday with a black crew. There were plenty of strikers demonstrating at Pyramid South yard as well.

[Kevin Wilson-Smith]

Langlaagte was busy as per usual today. Metro seems unaffected on the Langlaagte - Soweto and Pretoria CBD lines.

[Rob Jamieson]

From my office in Pretoria I can see that Metrorail seems to be operating normally from Pretoria Station to the east and north but nothing going west along the Loftus line or to Johannesburg (except Business Express). I presume the double line from Pretoria to Centurion is still not fully operational since the Rovos Rail accident, but can't understand why the Loftus line is still closed. Anyone got more info?

[Rob Jamieson]

Correction : Metrorail services seem to be operating out of Pretoria to the West and North (albeit with a reduced service), but not to the South and East (Loftus Line). Just to prove me wrong, just seen one depart Pretoria heading south towards Johannesburg, must be the first one today.

[Greg Hart]

From our UTATU union


http://www.utatu.co.za/index.php?option ... atest-news

[Chris Janisch]

Yes, the strike now starts to bite.
No service on the north line today, but plenty of protest action at Pyramid South depot, with cops present.
Expect a long cold winter of discontent.