19 Golden Arrow inspectors dismissed: Union's error leads to job losses
Former Golden Arrow Bus Services inspectors say they were dismissed on December 17, 2025 following a strike they believed was legally protected, leaving many without income, bonuses and medical aid just days before Christmas.
Image: File
Nineteen inspectors from Golden Arrow Bus Services, dismissed just days before Christmas, are now confronting significant financial hardship, the loss of medical aid, and uncertainty about their future.
After decades of service, they participated in a strike they believed was legally protected, only to find themselves facing termination and the repercussions of their actions.
The inspectors, who asked to remain anonymous, were dismissed on December 17, 2025 after participating in what the company classified as an unprotected strike. The workers claim they acted on the advice and mandate of their union, the Transport and Omnibus Workers Union (TOWU), which allegedly assured them that all procedures had been followed and that a valid strike certificate had been issued.
TOWU declined to comment on the allegations.
"We have no comment on this," the union said when approached for comment.
For many of the workers, the dismissals marked the sudden end of careers spanning decades.
"It was very stressful losing your job on December 17. The company withheld our bonuses saying they can do it. My medical aid stopped and I’m a chronic patient," one inspector said.
"I worked for 30 years for them. This was my first offense."
According to the workers, the dispute started after proposed changes to working conditions and reporting times.
"The company wanted to change our working conditions where you must report at 4.30am for duty and then they send you to areas like Manenberg or Hanover Park. We don't feel safe at those times in these areas, we are robbed regularly." one worker explained.
"Normally we start at 5.30am from home. You jump onto any bus and start to work."
The inspectors said they would not have joined the strike, had they known it was unlawful.
"Yes, we got our mandate from the union that everything was in order and all protocols were followed and we were told we have a legal strike certificate," one worker said.
However, they claim they only became aware of issues surrounding the strike certificate during disciplinary hearings.
"We only heard about it in the hearing and when they dismissed us."
The workers claim the union later described the issue as a "human error."
"The union did nothing. They said they made a mistake with the certificate...that it was human error," the inspector alleged.
They say they are now waiting to hear whether the union’s national executive committee will support taking the matter to the Labour Court.
The dismissed inspectors also raised concerns about safety conditions linked to their work, particularly in high-risk areas.
"With the safety issue, a lot of us were robbed in Khayelitsha," one worker claimed.
"The company offered us re-employment as bus drivers on a lower rate. We said reinstatement with our jobs back... they said no."
The matter was referred to the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration through the South African Road Passenger Bargaining Council process, according to the workers.
Responding to queries, Golden Arrow Bus Services Public Relations Manager Bronwen Dyke-Beyer confirmed that the 19 inspectors were dismissed following what the company described as an unprotected strike.
"The employees have appointed legal representation who is communicating with the company’s legal representative. In light of the ongoing legal process, it would not be appropriate for the company to comment further at this time. Any queries relating to the matter can be directed to the appointed legal representative," she said.
The company indicated that the matter is currently sub judice meaning it is before or expected to go before the courts, limiting what parties can publicly discuss while legal proceedings are ongoing.