A large number of striking security guards gathered at Beyers Naude Square in central Johannesburg on Monday to hear how wage talks with their employers were progressing.
South African Transport and Allied Workers’ Union (Satawu) members said employers have offered them an improved 9,25% wage increase. Their leaders were consulting with the regions on whether to accept the offer.
Opinions among strikers were divided over the new offer.
Mzimasi Matshaya, who has been a working as a security guard for 20 years, said Satawu should accept the offer.
”I think we should accept this offer, although it is not enough. The strike has dragged for too long, I think we need to continue with our normal lives,” Matshaya said. ”I’m willing to go back to work on Wednesday.”
Matshaya said life has not been easy during the strike as he has had to borrow from friends and relatives to feed his family.
Chief Dunga said he is happy because the strike is coming to an end. ”Our representatives did a great job by bring the employers back to the negotiations. I think the new offer is much better than the initial 8,3%.”
But some protesters were not impressed. A security guard who referred to himself as Andile said he did not go on strike for 9,25%.
”We earn very low salaries and 9,25% is too low. I think we should study the offer carefully before taking any further action,” Andile said.
Other guards, who refused to divulge their names, said they will not accept the offer because it is not enough.
Negotiations between striking guards and employers ended on Friday with ”an improved offer” to their unions.
Satawu and the Transport and Allied Workers’ Union of South Africa were given an opportunity to consult with their members before reporting back to employers on Monday.
The two unions had been holding out for an 11% increase after 14 other unions agreed to an average 8,3% increase over the next three years.
The strike began in March and has been marred by violence and attacks on guards defying the strike. — Sapa