Public-sector unions decided on Monday to embark on strike action following their rejection of the government’s 6% wage increase offer, said labour caucus chairperson Fikile Majola.
”A strike committee has been established and the first strike will take place on September 16,” Majola said in Centurion.
All members of the eight unions will strike, except essential services — nursing staff and policemen.
The unions represent 700 000 public-service employees.
With weeks to go before the matric exams, teachers and other public sector employees including police and nurses, earlier on Monday threatened to go on strike if their salary demands were not met by Thursday.
The ultimatum followed failed negotiations on Friday that lasted well into the night.
On Friday, Public Service and Administration Minister Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi said no more money was available with which to bargain.
”This is all we have,” she said.
The government tabled a 6% offer plus a 1% pay progression for workers who perform well.
The package also included R500-million for teachers to address the lack of pay progression from 1996 to 2003.
”This equates to another 2% for educators,” Fraser-Moleketi said, explaining this would be received in the form of back pay.
The package also included housing benefits, and made allowances for more policemen over the next three years. — Sapa