UNTU CALL ON GOVERNMENT TO SUSPEND METRORAIL TRAIN SERVICES TO COMBAT COVID-19

The United National Transport Union (UNTU) call on Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula to suspend the train services of Metrorail, South Africa’s urban commuter train, to combat the spreading of COVID-19.
The suspension of the train services until 14 April 2020 is the only way to assist the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) to implement the drastic measures called for by President Cyril Ramaphosa from 16 March 2020 after the outbreak of the deadly global pandemic started spreading like wildfire throughout the country.
This morning the Department of Health confirmed 116 positive cases of COVID-19 of which 61 in Gauteng, 19 in KwaZulu-Natal and 31 in the Western Cape – the biggest cities where the overcrowded trains of Metrorail, a division of PRASA, is operational.
Steve Harris, General Secretary of UNTU, says that while PRASA and TRANSNET responded fast on corporate levels (in its offices), there was very poor implementation on operational levels where UNTU members (and commuters) are the most exposed.
“PRASA initially planned to provide operational staff with facial masks, gloves and hand sanitizers, but this was subject to availability due to national shortage.
“UNTU realizes the suspension of the train services will have a devastating impact on commuters, but the Union believes the transmission rate of the virus warrants drastic action to prevent the spreading thereof and possible loss of lives,” says Harris.
For more information phone Harris on 082 566 5516.
Issued on behalf of UNTU by Sonja Carstens: Deputy-General Secretary: Media, Liaison, and Communication. For UNTU press releases phone 082 463 6806 or e-mail sonja@untu.co.za.