In a storm of controversy, 33 Intercape bus drivers have been dismissed, allegedly for joining the National Union for All Sectors (Nufas).
According to Jean Baker, a representative from Nufas, the workers have faced “sabotage” from Intercape since their union affiliation in May.
Baker reports that the drivers were forced to sit in a room for eight hours without water and food, simply because they refused to surrender their cellphones and sign an attendance register during a meeting on July 8.
She claims this was a tactic to prevent the drivers from recording their ill-treatment.
“This has never happened before joining the union,” Baker stated.
“Two guys joined the union and they were called into a meeting and they left their cellphones and signed the register, once they were told by management that they should leave the union or ‘we are going to dismiss you, there’s the door’.
“Unfortunately there is no proof but they were advised to go to the police station to sign an affidavit,” said Baker.
One driver spoke to SA Trucker, detailing the harsh conditions faced by Intercape drivers.
“Imagine driving 18 hours, reaching your destination, and immediately having to drive back without rest. It’s torture, and people got tired of that,” he said.
The driver highlighted the tragic loss of a colleague who died in a crash after days without proper sleep, underscoring the dangerous working conditions they sought to address through union support.
Intercape, however, denies that the dismissals were related to union activities.
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In a statement to SA Trucker, the company emphasized its commitment to workers’ rights to freedom of association, a principle protected by the Constitution.
The company noted that Professor Brian Williams, an advocate for workers’ rights, was engaged to guide them through recognizing the union.
The company claims the dismissed workers were following unlawful instructions from the union, such as refusing to sign attendance registers or participate in meetings.
Intercape asserted that disciplinary actions were based on continuous non-compliance with lawful instructions, not union membership.
In audio recordings reviewed by SA Trucker, drivers can be heard agreeing to sign the attendance register but refusing to surrender their cellphones, which they saw as a means to document their grievances.
Jean Baker remains resolute, stating, “We are going to get justice, we will leave no stone unturned. The case is before the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration, and we are exploring other avenues.”
Labour federation Cosatu has announced it will investigate the allegations, citing concerns over the treatment of the drivers.
Cosatu provincial secretary Malvern De Bruyn emphasized that workers should not be victimised for union activities. “We will approach the company to establish what transpired. Based on their response, we will determine our next steps,” De Bruyn said.
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