Public Sector trade union statement

11-06-07

 

Public-sector trade unions meet


Public-sector trade unions met in Centurion on 10 June 2007 to:

  • Denounce the harshness of the state's response to the counter proposal by unions, despite a greater shift by labour to lower their demand by 2%
  • Intensify the strike in order to make the state realise that workers are indeed serious and extremely angry
  • Reject the state's action in dismissals and impending dismissals


Despite this the unions remain ready to engage but on the basis of a serious offer being placed on the table by the government.

The unions have revised their demand from 12% to 10% while the government is increasing its offer by barely noticeable increments. There must be more decisive movement on the employer's part than just continuously increasing the offer by tiny amounts. That is not the kind of bold, decisive action on the part of the government that we need to ensure that the strike is resolved. We hope that the government will act decisively by tomorrow (Tuesday) to avoid the planned mass solidarity strike action on Wednesday.

The unions reiterate their disgust at the government's issuing of dismissal notices to striking workers, which is a clear attempt to witch-hunt union activists and try to intimidate workers into ending their strike. We are confident that the workers will stand firm and intensify their action. Never before has there been such levels of militancy, determination and willingness to make sacrifices for the common good of all public sector workers. We demand the immediate withdrawal of these dismissals.


For further information please phone the following general secretaries:


Aquina Thulare - SAMA 0832813474


Dan Van Wyk - PAWUSA -0824624350


Freddie Mohai - SADNU- 0824147971


Mthimkhulu Mashiya - SASAWU -0826571143


Fikile Slovo Majola - NEHAWU -0824551751


Thembeka Gwagwa - DENOSA -0828295440


M Masemola -DENOS-0825516041


Thulas Nxesi - SADTU -0827826877


Abbey Witbooi - POPCRU -0828206079


H Hendricks- NAPTOSA- 0825779297


Mannie de Clercq -PSA- 0828808926


JR Pieterse -SAOU -0834537751


J Mataitsane- NUPSAW -0825538465


Barres Machakela -SAPU- 084 2302302


G Moultrie -HOSPERSA -0825516041


A Johnson -NATU- 0736078141