South African Public Service Workers Will Not Strike During World Cup

Members of the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) march demanding a wage increase. The workers had embarked upon a nationwide strike.
Originally uploaded by Pan-African News Wire File Photos

No public service strikes

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 08:06
iafrica.com

There will be no strikes by public servants during the World Cup, a labour negotiator said on Thursday.

Mugwena Maluleka said even though a dispute has been declared with the department of public services, workers will refrain from strike action for 30 days.

"If we go on a strike, it will be after 30 days and the World Cup would be over by then," he said.

Both the National Education, Health And Allied Workers Union and the Public Service Association signed agreements with government on Thursday, committing themselves to "no labour unrest" during the period the soccer spectacle.

Talks with the department reached a deadlock after labour unions adjusted their demands from 11 percent general salary increases to 8.6 percent and R1000 for a monthly housing allowance.

The department was offering a 6.5 percent increase and a maximum of R620 on housing allowances.

Maluleka said the workers had tried to "meet the employer halfway".

The unions committed themselves to an "agreeable solution within the 30 day period."

Special advisor to the minister of public works, Randall Howard said they were confident that there won't be any disruptions while all parties try to find a positive solution.

The decision to declare a dispute was taken on Wednesday night.

Earlier, Maluleke who is also a teachers union general secretary, said the ministry was employing stalling tactics during wage negotiations.

This was denied by the ministry, saying it was negotiating in good faith since negotiations started on May 20.

"There is no stalling tactic... The suggestion that we strung them along, we don't take kindly to that," Howard said.

He aid It was "regrettable" that the Cosatu-affiliated unions, representing 1.3 million workers, had chosen to declare a dispute, notwithstanding the request for more time to seek a revised mandate.

"We are committed to finding an amicable solution. We ask for a chance to meet with our principals... and then we need to get mandate from them."

Both parties have agreed to process all medical aid-related issues into a joint task team process, with agreed terms of reference and time frames.

Home affairs minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma said the fact that there will not be any strikes by public servants during the World Cup goes a long way in contributing to the creation of a positive climate for the hosting of a successful event.