Cosatu has signalled its intent to embark on strike action against Prasa and Metrorail, over what it has described as “dismal trains services” from the respective railway groups. Concerns centre on the unreliability of trains, crippling increases in ticket pricing, and a shortage of security, with the trade union has publicly criticised the “worsening” state of the country’s train systems.

Provincial secretary, Tony Ehrenreich said that during prior discussions with Prasa on the matter, the company had undertaken to have new trains delivered and up and running by 2015/2016, as well assuring that systems would be improved as a result.

“We gave them two years to do that, but we’ve seen none of those improvements materialise. Instead what we see are trains becoming more irregular, more unreliable and workers having to buy train tickets that have also increased, and then having to leave the train system to take a bus or taxi at addition costs,” he explained.

The unreliability of trains has also contributed to overcrowding on those that are operational. This has often led to commuters hanging outside of doors and carriages, at great risk to their own lives. Ehrenreich also highlighted instances of carriages being targeted by gangsters, with no security in sight. This was despite the fact that all trains were “meant to be occupied by train police, as well as private security employed by Metrorail”.

Ehrenreich said Cosatu were being left with no choice but to step in and try and force an urgent response to the crisis.

“If Metrorail does not bring about the improvements we require, then we’ll be forced to strike against government at national, provincial and local levels, all of whom have a role in the public transport system. We will also strike against Prasa and businesses that are not only disciplining workers for arriving late, but are also deducting wages,” he warned.

He was particular critical of Prasa’s recent acquisition of freight locomotives, and failure to use those funds to ensure better quality transport for commuters.

“That is the concern that we have; the priorities set by government, where they are spending the money and what the issues are they are focusing on. We want those political priorities to shift,” he said, suggesting the best manner of bringing this about was through mass protest and strike action.

Cosatu has since filed an application to meet with Prasa and Metrorail in a National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) convened forum. Should the proposed strike go ahead, it will take place in the province near the latter part of August. VOC (Mubeen Banderker)