Pioneer bus drivers call off strike after pay

By Taddeo Bwambale

Workers of Pioneer Easy Bus Company have called off their strike over delayed salaries, hours after receiving their pay.

A group of over 800 bus drivers, stewards and inspectors working for the bus company refused to go to work on Monday until their money was paid.

They camped outside the Mandela National Stadium waiting for their bosses to pay them. The workers were allowed entry to the bus company’ offices in groups, received their pay and promised to return to work.

“I have received my money and I have resumed work. All we wanted was to get our money because it is difficult to survive,” one of the drivers who declined to be named told the New Vision.

The workers had refused to go to work following a delay by the company to pay their salary and weekly allowances for month of September.

“I get only sh200,000 as salary and a daily allowance of sh13,000. But this money does not come on time yet I have responsibilities as head of my family,” a driver who declined to be named lamented.

Pioneer Easy Bus started operations on March 12, shortly after taxi operators went on strike over the sh120, 000 monthly dues charged by Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA).

The buses offer relatively lower fares compared to taxis which dominate much of the city’s public transport.