Today is a Black Friday for the United National Transport Union (UNTU).
For the past two months UNTU has repeatedly pleaded with and demanded from the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) and Transport Minister Dipuo Peters to act to ensure the safety of our members before more lives are lost.
But like most of the other responsibilities they both have as employer in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Bill of Rights in the Constitution they recklessly ignored it, gambling with the lives of their employees, says Steve Harris, General Secretary of UNTU.
This morning at 02:50 Mr. JD Joubert (60), a metro train driver and loyal UNTU member since 1975, was attacked by two armed men about 3 meters from the office where he had to sign the attendance register, at the Kraaifontein Station in die Western Cape.
According to Mr. Harris Mr. Joubert acted in self-defence and fatally wounded one of his attackers. The other fled from the scene. The South African Police Service (SAPS) arrested an extremely traumatized Mr. Joubert for murder. He was released on bail hours later. It is not certain when he must appear in the Magistrates Court.
Yesterday a 51-year old lady was stabbed to death after she left the Haven Shelter in Eikendal, Kraaifontein, and walked to the station.
This is the second time within a month that Mr. Joubert was attacked on the job. On 2 August UNTU demanded that trained armed guards escort train crews to protect them after Mr. Joubert was attacked. The first attack had such a severe impact of Mr. Joubert’s health that he tendered his resignation a few weeks ago after 42 years of service. His last day will be on 30 September 2016.
“UNTU is furious. This morning several managers from PRASA urge the UNION and its members to remain calm, promising that the company appointed the best attorney to act on Mr. Joubert’s behalf. Unfortunately it is too little too late.
“The trust relationship between UNTU and PRASA have broken down completely because the rail operator has no respect or empathy for its workers and ignores some of the basic principles of collective bargaining.
“This is why UNTU pleaded with Peters to intervene as the responsible Minister on behalf of Pres. Jacob Zuma only to hear that she is on sick leave for a month and the Union must meet with her advisor. I personally made several phone calls to finalize this urgent meeting without success.”
According to Mr. Harris the emotions of UNTU members are running high.
“We are unable to calm them. This is the third life lost in 2 months after the senseless killings of train driver Pieter (Barend) Botha at the Netreg Station and of a male armed security guard (33) of Comwezi Security who was shot in the head by two armed robbers while patrolling the line between Heideveld and Nyanga near Thambo Village. How many more people need to die before PRASA and the Government will act? asked Mr. Harris.
UNTU will give Mr. Joubert and his family all the support it can during this very difficult time.
For enquiries please phone Mr. Harris on 082 566 5516.
Issued on behalf of UNTU by Sonja Carstens, Media and Liaison Officer. For UNTU Press Releases e-mail sonja@untu.co.za or phone 082 463 6806.
