Some 28 bus drivers of Lautoka based Pacific Transport are crying foul after getting their termination letters this morning and told to work for another bus company.
The drivers claim the owners of the bus company sold the routes and the buses with the drivers without giving them any prior notice.
It was suppose to be a routine Monday for these drivers.
However it was just this morning they were handed their termination letters informing them that they are no longer employed by the Pacific Transport.
“We felt very bad when we were told that we are no longer employed by the bus company. Diwali is just round the corner, now we are thinking what to do since we don’t have jobs now. we should have been given a month’s notice telling us about their plans to sell the buses. we would have been prepared if we were given prior notices,” revealed bus driver Mahendra Prasad.
The letter states that these drivers will be paid until Saturday last week.
Some of these drivers have been working for the company since late 1980s.
“We tried negotiating with the owners of the bus company but they told us that the buses were already sold and we will have to work for another company from today. we cannot be terminated instantly and told to work for another company just like that,” said another driver Armend Prasad.
These drivers now have their own set of demands.
“Terminated drivers of Pacific Transport are requesting if we could be given a package since we are terminated without prior notice. If that is not given, we will keep coming here. We are poor people,” highlighted Sanhay Chand.
However, Pacific Transport Limited says the contract arrangement with Classic Buses Limited will not see any of the bus drivers be sent home.
Newly appointed General Manager, Nitesh Chand clarifying the issue that all the bus drivers involved in the shift were informed of the arrangement well in advance.
However, Chand adds that he was not in a position to divulge the reason for Pacific Transport transferring its Lautoka city and rural routes to Classic Buses Limited and its 35 buses along with its drivers.
“The buses will be transferred to Classic. Drivers also will be transferred there. So there is no unemployment. We are not terminating anyone’s contract. Classic Bus are separate and our drivers will be going to the company to work there. They were informed before that this was going to happen. So what the drivers decided they consulted labour offices. So what the labour offices said they will get something written so we provided them with a written notice,” said Chand.
The company was also silent on the issue of severance packages.
“That decision rest with the Directors. But annual leave and everything will be paid to them. Regarding the package I have to talk to the Directors and get confirmation from there,” added Chand.