Strike leaves commuters stranded

JOHANNESBURG – South African commuters were left stranded yesterday as rail workers went on strike, demanding salary increases higher than the inflation rate.

The United Transport and Allied Trade Unions and United Association of South Africa are demanding a 6,5 per cent pay increase while commuter rail operator Metro is offering 5,5 per cent. South Africa’s main CPIX inflation rate is around 3,8 per cent.Union officials told domestic news agency Sapa that train services in Cape Town had ground to a halt, while operations in the capital Pretoria and the port city of Durban were at about 50 per cent.But Metrorail said in a statement disruptions would be minimal, as one of the biggest trade unions had accepted its wage offer.It said buses would transport commuters where necessary.Rail transport is a key form of transport for thousands of working South Africans, especially in poor communities that are isolated from city centres.-Nampa-ReutersSouth Africa’s main CPIX inflation rate is around 3,8 per cent.Union officials told domestic news agency Sapa that train services in Cape Town had ground to a halt, while operations in the capital Pretoria and the port city of Durban were at about 50 per cent.But Metrorail said in a statement disruptions would be minimal, as one of the biggest trade unions had accepted its wage offer.It said buses would transport commuters where necessary.Rail transport is a key form of transport for thousands of working South Africans, especially in poor communities that are isolated from city centres.-Nampa-Reuters