Statement by all Public Sector Unions 01-06-07 |
Statement by all public sector unions - 1 June 2007
The first day of the national strike has been an overwhelming triumph. The vast majority of the 700 000 workers called upon to strike heeded the unions' call. A huge number of them joined the marches, which took place in cities and towns throughout the country. Big contingents from every union filled the streets in angry and militant, but also disciplined and peaceful, protest.Even the government's own propaganda in BuaNews grudgingly conceded that "Friday saw civil servants across the country embark on what is regarded as the largest strike of this nature in South Africa's history", and that "some government departments operated with the bare minimum of staff, as many had opted to down tools for the day and take part in the nationwide demonstrations".
Even the employer concedes that the turnout was massive. There was also clear evidence of overwhelming public support for these low-paid workers who are in the forefront of service delivery. Workers turned out in their numbers to the marches and rallies and many more who were not able to go to marches stayed away from work.
We have also received reports of police brutality against the workers in the Western Cape, which we condemn with strongest possible terms. We welcome the fact that unions Western Cape met senior police officers this afternoon and trust that assurances were obtained that there will be no repetition of any such action by the police.
We only hope that the message has got through to the government, in particular the Minister of Public Services and Administration, that the workers are united and determined to fight on until there a substantially better offer than the 6% "wage decrease" currently.
For further information, please contact:
Aquina Thulare - SAMA 0832813474Dan Van Wyk - PAWUSA 0824624350
Freddie Mohai - SADNU 0824147971
Mthimkhulu Mashiya - SASAWU 0826571143
Fikile Slovo Majola - NEHAWU 0824551751
Thembeka Gwagwa - DENOSA 0828295440
M Masemola DENOSA 0825516041
Thulas Nxesi - SADTU 0827826877
Abbey Witbooi - POPCRU 0828206079
H Hendricks NAPTOSA 0825779297
Mannie de Clercq PSA 0828808926
JR Pieterse SAOU 0834537751
Success Mataitsane NUPSAW 0825538465
Barries Machakela SAPU 084 2302302
Johan Styn HOSPERSA 0833211500
A Johnson NATU 0736078141
Jake Dikobo PEU 0829046841
Olva Ragolane PEU 0829046842