A DAY-LONG strike yesterday called by unions representing 1.3 million civil servants was described as a “warning shot” to the government by Zwelinzima Vavi, general secretary of South Africa’s largest union, Cosatu.
Union officials estimated that between 50,000 and 100,000 workers took part in protests at five provincial capitals across the country, which led to the closure of many schools and a slowdown in the provision of some essential services, such as medical care.
Cosatu wants the government to meet its wage increase demand of 8.6 per cent – almost double the rate of inflation of 4.2 per cent year-on-year in June – and a €95-a-month housing allowance.
However, the government said last week, after four months of negotiating, that the maximum pay increase it could offer was 7 per cent, and a housing allowance of €60 a month.
At the Pretoria protest, Cosatu spokesman Patrick Craven said union members were open to new offers.
“We simply do not accept that, given the importance of paying public servants a decent wage, that money cannot be found from the huge amounts the government has at its disposal,” he said.
Addressing strikers outside parliament in Cape Town, Mr Vavi said the day-long nationwide strike by civil servants was a “warning shot” to the government. More strikes are planned for across the country if the government refuses to increase its offer.
“To the minister [of public service and administration Richard Baloyi], we are ready to talk to you, but don’t call us with nothing.
“We are prepared to negotiate, but the ball is firmly in your court,” he said.
Some strikers called on the government to live up to its promises of a decent wage for all. They reminded officials that they did not threaten a strike during the Fifa World Cup for the good of the nation, but now want their demands met.
Historically, the ANC and the unions in South Africa have been closely linked, with the unions giving significant backing during general elections. However, Cosatu feels its concerns are only listened to around election time, which has opened up a rift between them.