PSV Workers Strike Over Fuel Costs, Working Conditions and Transport Authority Suspensions

PSV Workers Association members and Transport Authority officials are meeting at the authority’s Roebuck Street offices after a wildcat strike disrupted services. The stoppage lasted until 10 a.m. today, leaving commuters affected and talks now underway to resolve the dispute.

The Alliance Owners of Public Transport says it does not support the PSV action at this time because it was neither consulted nor informed in advance. Still, the group says there are serious transport issues that need to be addressed, underscoring ongoing tensions in the public transport sector.

Public service vehicle drivers pulled vehicles off the road, disrupting commuters, to protest soaring fuel prices, cancelled permits and poor working conditions. PSV Workers Association member David Douglin and Unity Workers Union representative Caswell Franklin said the issues have been ignored for too long and demand action from authorities.

Trade unionist Caswell Franklyn and PSV Workers Association president David Douglin accused the Transport Authority of running a “kangaroo court” that suspends operators without fair hearings or representation. They said drivers are being summoned by phone, shown alleged evidence on arrival and sometimes suspended before appeals can be properly heard, prompting calls to unionise. Transport Authority Director Ruth Holder said operators should refer to the regulations.