COSATU KZN PRESS RELEASE OF THE 5TH JULY 2007COSATU KZn PRESS RELEASE
5th JULY 2007
COSATU in Kwa-Zulu Natal met today, 5 July 2007 at SADTU House
with its affiliates, independent unions and other organisations
of society i.e COSAS, Taxi Industry and the Religious Sector.
The main purpose of the meeting was to assess and evaluate the
input and effect of the strike action and to develop a way forward
in order to maintain such momentum.
We are quite convinced that the strike demonstrated high levels
of workers unity and this augurs well for future engagements
with the employer. We dispute any attempts to blackmail COSATU
or its affiliated public sector unions by creating wrong impressions.
We condemn any insinuations that link the strike action to the
so called succession issue in the ANC. We further appreciate
and encourage the agreement between SADTU and the Provincial
Education Department for a recovery plan in education. We also
appreciate the contribution made by those in the Taxi Industry,
COSAS, TAC, and the Religious Sector. The role of the Alliance
components in a strike action has also to be improved and we
intend to engage our Alliance partner on this.
We are therefore quite convinced that the strike was a success
for the following reasons:
·
Commitment to a 2 year agreement as opposed to 4 years.
· Defeating the principle of linking salary increase to inflation
fluctuation. The employer was initially at 5.3% and at the commencement
of the strike was at 6%.
·
The strike has managed to forge worker unity more than ever before
which is in line with the COSATU slogan of "An injury to one,
is an injury to all"
· Commitment to finalise the minimum service level agreement by 15
November 2007.
· Introduction of the OSD and further unpacking of same by the employer
during the strike action.
We have further agreed on the following programme:
·
Build further on the unity of workers and amongst unions.
· Defend and protect the integrity of this federation and its affiliated
unions.
· Continue to conduct feedback meeting to members at institutional
level.
· Arrange a meeting with the Provincial government to further explore
other areas that may require a special recovery plan.
· Further engage other organizations of civil society on future common
programmes.
CONTACT: ZET LUZIPO
CELL: 072 884 3456