ICFTU-AFRO Solidarity Message 13-06-07

 

ICFTU-AFRO ORAf-CISL
Andrew M.KAILEMBO
General Secretary, Secrétaire général
Kenya RE-Towers, 4th Floor, Upper Hill (Off Ragati Road)
Box 67273 - Postal Code 00200
NAIROBI (Kenya)
Tel. (254-20) 244336/340046/2717308/2717324
ORGANISATION Fax : (254-20) 215072/333078
REGIONALE e-mail : i...@icftuafro.org
AFRICAINE Website: www.icftuafro.org

13th June 2007

Mr. Zwelinzima Vavi, General Secretary, COSATU

Dear Brother Vavi,

SOLIDARITY MESSAGE -SOUTH AFRICA PUBLIC WORKERS ON STRIKE

The African Regional Organisation of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions-, (ICFTU-AFRO) stands in solidarity with COSATU to support the thousands of South African public workers on strike.

The striking workers demand for a 10% increment is reasonable and in line with the country's increasing cost of living. The South African government should therefore as a matter of urgency consider awarding the public service workers the pay rise.

The ICFTU-AFRO notes with concern that some workers have been seriously wounded in scuffles with the police and therefore deplores the deployment of the uniformed forces to deal with the striking workers. A quick resolution to the strike will help alleviate a major disaster as most hospitals and schools have reportedly closed down. We strongly feel that any further delay by the government in dealing with this matter will be perilous and a great disservice to the people of South Africa.

We therefore urge the Government of South Africa and other relevant bodies to remain fully committed towards the plight of workers.

On behalf of the African Regional Organisation of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions, representing 15 million organised workers, we call also on the government to abandon any move that may disregard the rule of law and in the meantime extend to you our unwavering solidarity and wish you and the workers of South Africa our best wishes.

Yours sincerely,

Andrew Kailembo

General Secretary