Johannesburg bus drivers staging a stayaway blocked traffic in the city centre on Tuesday morning, SABC radio reported.

Johannesburg Metrobus warned commuters at the weekend to arrange alternative transport after the labour court ruled in favour of the SA Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) on Friday, giving bus drivers the go-ahead to strike on Tuesday.

An SABC journalist said there were reports that bus drivers had gathered outside Metrobus' offices in Braamfontein and that protesters were blocking traffic.

Johannesburg metro police Inspector Edna Mamonyane could not immediately confirm the report.

However, there was no sign of bus drivers gathering at Ghandi Square by 7am, as was apparently planned by the union.

On Friday, Samwu spokesman Dumisani Langa said they would embark on industrial action on Tuesday.

"Metrobus workers will go ahead with the strike. Apart from salary issues we will be calling for the removal of one senior manager we believe is corrupt.

"We have documented proof that he was the one who bribed police officers to assault our shop stewards and members during the 2007 strike," Langa said.