Putco criticises NUMSA’s ‘irresponsible and out of touch’ call to boycott its services
NUMSA accused Putco of mistreating about 120 workers who were placed on suspension following a protest in 2022 that left thousands of commuters stranded.
Putco buses at a depot. Picture: Facebook/Putco
JOHANNESBURG - Bus company Putco criticised the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa’s (NUMSA) call for a public boycott of its services.
NUMSA accused Putco of mistreating about 120 workers who were placed on suspension following a protest in 2022 that left thousands of commuters stranded.
Tensions between bus drivers and Putco escalated due to disagreements over wage increases, leading workers to go on an unprotected strike.
While the union was able to prevent mass dismissals, some of its members are currently undergoing disciplinary processes with the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
"NUMSA’s call is irresponsible and out of touch with the economic realities of many South Africans," said Putco’s spokesperson Lindokuhle Xulu.
"It essentially asks breadwinners to jeopardise their jobs and the economic well-being of their families. We encourage commuters to continue to come to our buses and disregard calls that could compromise their livelihoods."
NUMSA spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola said at least 120 workers were suspended by Putco, and the management was treating them inhumanely.
"Putco is mistreating workers by violating their dignity while they are on suspension. It is shameless for them to get money from the state through generous subsidies, then, at the same time, to withhold money from poor workers. Putco is at war with workers, and they must be stopped."