Golden Arrow heads to court to block NUFAS strike set to start at midnight

Golden Arrow Bus Services has applied to the courts to stop a planned strike by the National Union for All Sectors (NUFAS), after receiving notice that members intend to begin industrial action from midnight on Thursday, September 10.

Company seeks urgent legal relief

John Dammert, Golden Arrow’s Corporate Affairs and Human Resources Executive, said the company has urgently approached the courts to challenge the planned action and expects to be able to communicate the outcome of the legal proceedings on Wednesday.

“Golden Arrow sincerely apologises to passengers for the uncertainty and potential disruption that this matter may cause,” Dammert said.

Safety and disciplinary process at centre of dispute

Golden Arrow said the issues raised by NUFAS relate, among other things, to the application of disciplinary processes. The company said it does not accept that its procedures are applied unfairly and maintains that its policies are implemented in line with applicable labour legislation, collective agreements, established company procedures and the principles of procedural fairness.

The company added that where an employee believes disciplinary action has been unfairly applied, dispute-resolution mechanisms including processes through the South African Road Passenger Bargaining Council (SARPBAC) remain available.

Balancing employees’ rights and passenger safety

Golden Arrow said it respects employees’ constitutional rights to take part in lawful and peaceful industrial action, but also stressed its duty to protect passengers, staff and the public. Dammert emphasised that the company’s operational policies, driving standards and disciplinary processes are designed to ensure buses are operated safely and responsibly, and that safety cannot be compromised.

Golden Arrow will provide a further update once it is able to communicate the outcome of the legal proceedings on Wednesday.