Bus drivers stage strike in Sweden

The Wednesday strike which also disrupted bus service the northern city of Umea and the industrial city of Sodertalje came after employers and unions failed to remove their differences.

About 1,400 bus drivers and other public transport workers participated in the work stoppage.

According to Lenita Granlund, negotiator for the municipal workers union Kommunal, the union wants employees to be provided with an employment guarantee when a new entrepreneur wins a tender to operate bus services. Kommunal organizes bus drivers and other public transport workers.

Granlund said the union also demands longer meal breaks, better work schedules and higher salaries for the workers.

Meanwhile, head of the Swedish Bus and Coach Employers Association Peter Jeppsson said the industrial action came because of the union’s lack of will to engage in talks.

He added that earlier this week the employers accepted a bid from arbitrators, which the union rejected, noting, “We are very far apart.”

The strike has affected about 100,000 commuters in the greater Stockholm region, Stockholm Public Transport estimate shows. They have been advised to consider walking, cycling or car pooling.

MR/KA

Source Article from http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2013/06/19/309874/bus-drivers-stage-strike-in-sweden/

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