By: Natasha Archary

Putco has responded to the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa’s (NUMSA) “irresponsible boycott call”, urging the public to not make use of the company’s services.
The public transport service provider says it is disappointed by NUMSA’s call following the Section 188A CCMA arbitration process for 85 union members who embarked on an illegal strike in September 2022.
On Monday, 19 February NUMSA accused Putco of mistreating workers who have been placed on suspension.
“At least 120 workers were suspended by Putco and the management is treating them inhumanely by violating their dignity while they remain suspended.
These workers are suspended because Putco tried to withhold increases, which rightly belong to workers.
This matter goes back to 2022, when hundreds of workers embarked on a work stoppage, because Putco management refused to pay the wage increase of 6% and the bonus which was due to workers.
Putco had applied for an exemption from implementing the 6% wage increase.”
NUMSA says Putco has subjected workers to terrible working conditions, treating them inhumanely and paying them peanuts, which is why they want to boycott the bus company.
NUMSA calls on commuters to #BoycottPutco for its War on workers! Putco is mistreating workers who are suspended for embarking on a work stoppage after Putco tried to con them out of their increases!
— NUMSA (@Numsa_Media) February 19, 2024
Details in the statement below👇🏾#ForTheLoveofTheWorkingClass @IrvinJimSA pic.twitter.com/WLofmGFv6J
In response Putco has blamed NUMSA for the delay in the arbitration process, and says employees in question have been on paid suspension for 17-months.
“Numsa’s call stems from Putco’s decision to amend the precautionary suspension condition of employees who have been on paid suspension for over 17 months.
This decision to amend the conditions was motivated by a need to ensure speedy and accurate communication with our employees. There has been poor attendance of the suspended employees at the inquiry currently before the CCMA and this has delayed the process.
Numsa has been employing delaying tactics despite a Section 150 agreement by both parties to expedite the arbitration process. Despite plans to call 85 members to the stand, they have only concluded the evidence of 19 employees in the last 17 months.Putco urges Numsa to refrain from making false allegations and irresponsible calls and focus on expediting the inquiry process.
Putco emphasizes its commitment to providing an uninterrupted service to passengers. We encourage commuters to disregard calls that could compromise their livelihoods and we reaffirms our commitment to providing a much-needed service.”
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