Bus operators to go on strike if…

By Stanford Conway
Editor-in-Chief-SKNVibes.com

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – MANY commuters were left stranded yesterday and a strike seems imminent in St. Kitts if the request of the West Bus Association is not met today, following a meeting with representatives of the Government and executives of the Association.

Yesterday morning, many bus drivers plying the western route had parked their vehicles while awaiting word from their Association’s President, Dale Hughes, who was in discussion with members of the Federal Cabinet concerning a proposed increase in fares.

Sometime after 4 p.m., a number of them met with Hughes, who declared that he was not in concert with the Government in its decision to increase the fare from Basseterre to all villages after Sandy Point by $0.75.

Hughes told SKNVibes that when the Association had met with representatives of the Government on a previous occasion the executives were asking for $3 up to the first five miles, $4 between five and 10 miles, and $5 after 10 miles.

“The reason for this request,” he said, “is because of the 89 percent increase on the price of gasoline and we are operating at the rate that we did long before the recent increase. The Government told us that the request was heavy and they would allow an increase of $0.50 up to the 10 mile and $1 after the 10 mile, but now, at the 11th hour, we are being told only$0.75 after the 10 mile.”

Hughes said the bus drivers are unhappy with the decision because when the price of gasoline was $6.60 per gallon the fare was $1.25 for short drops and when it increased to $8.30 per gallon the fare was risen by$0.75 and subsequent increases were also made for longer drops. “But the long haul beyond 10 miles only received a quart [$0.25]. Today, the price of gasoline has gone to $15.70 and we are still operating at the same fare. We are operating at a loss and I have raised the issue with the Government but they want us to wait until they make a decision on the civil servants’ salary.” ~~Adz:Right~~

Hughes declared that the meeting, hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Sam Condor, had not done any good for bus operators plying the long routes.

“In addition to the rise in gas prices we also have to purchase petroleum products. We also have to purchase brake pads, tyres and a host of other things to keep our buses running well and safely on the roads. Every time a shipment comes in the price of these commodities goes up.

“We are not just bus operators, we are like anybody in the community…we have a family to feed and when we go to the store we pay the same increase on whatever product we are faced with. So, to be told today by Government to accept $0.50 all around and wait until Government increases the minimum wage and also make a salary increase to civil servants, I feel it is a trick. You just cannot tell people these kinds of things, we are not foolish, we know that salary increases cannot happen overnight, therefore one must not play with a man’s livelihood,” Hughes said.

The Association’s President said the Government promised that the increase was an interim agreement and they would be meeting with the various Bus Associations today [Tuesday] for further discussion on the matter. He however pointed out that if they were further disappointed at the meeting, they would take industrial action.

Hughes also declared that he was given the assurance of the East Bus Association President and also the President of the St. Peter’s Bus Association that they would be in solidarity if drivers of his Association go on strike.

SKNVibes learnt that the strike should have started since yesterday but, according to one driver, unity is non-existent amongst bus drivers plying routes other than the west bound.

He noted that the President of the East Bus Association had accepted the Government’s proposal and explained that “drivers on the east do not have to travel the distance we do. When we leave Basseterre with passengers we travel for 18 miles while the end of their route is 13 miles. Therefore, they are satisfied with the $0.50 increase”.

Meanwhile, at last night’s meeting at the Cenotaph, most of the drivers, including some from St. Peter’s, had wanted to go on strike as of 6 o’clock this morning but Hughes advised they wait until the meeting with the Government ends.

The meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m. today at Government Headquarters on Church Street.