S.Africa public service wage offer fails to end strike

JOHANNESBURG — South African civil servants were to consider an improved wage offer from the government but remained on strike Tuesday, officials."The new offer will be discussed with our members. It is not what we wanted but a step in the right direction. Our members are still on strike," said Mugwena Maluleke, a labour negotiator.Late Monday the government presented a revised wage increase of 7.5 percent and an 800 rand (108 dollars/86 euros) housing allowance to unions who were demanding an 8.6-percent increase and a 1,000-rand housing allowance.Strikers had rejected the government's initial offer of a seven percent rise and 700-rand housing allowance.The strike, which is entering its third week has shut down schools and reduced health services at hospitals and clinics around the country.The spokesman for the minister of public service Dumisani Nkwamba said talks would resume later on Tuesday in an effort to prevent an escalation of the strike with the powerful 320,000-member National Union of Mineworkers threatening a one-day stoppage on Thursday in sympathy with the public service."We are going to meet again, we are hoping for a solution. The strike must come to an end," he said.President Jacob Zuma had instructed ministers to return to negotiations to settle the open-ended strike which he said was damaging the image of the country.Army medical staff and volunteers have taken over nursing duties at a number of major hospitals, while workers hold daily demonstration. Copyright © 2010 AFP. All rights reserved. More »

Add comment

Nick
Content

Submit