Security guards’ unions and their employers were still locked in talks over a new wage offer on Monday night.
The South African Transport and Allied Workers’ Union (Satawu) refused to be drawn on whether an agreement was imminent.
”I don’t want to speculate,” said Satawu’s national coordinator for the security industry, Jackson Simon, at 9.30pm. ”We are still in negotiations with employers.”
The employers had been offering 8,3%, but on Friday revised the offer to a three-year deal with a 9,25% pay hike in the first year, 7,25% in the second year and 7% in the third year.
Satawu and the Transport and Allied Workers’ Union of South Africa were given until noon on Monday to consult with their members and respond. They had been demanding an 11% increase.
Striking security guards gathered at Beyers Naude Square in central Johannesburg on Monday to hear how talks between their union leaders and employers were progressing.
Opinions among strikers were divided over the new offer. Mzimasi Matshaya, who has worked 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 had not been easy during the strike as he had to borrow from friends and relatives to feed his family.
Chief Dunga said he was happy because the strike was 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%.”
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 would not accept the offer as it was not enough.
The strike began in March and has been marred by violence and attacks on guards defying the strike. — Sapa