South Africa’s largest teachers’ union has rejected a proposed pay rise of 6% for its members.
The offer was a ”slap in the face of workers”, South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (Sadtu) spokesperson Jon Lewis said on Wednesday.
He said the proposed increase was unanimously rejected by union members at a national executive committee (NEC) meeting in Johannesburg.
The offer was made by the Department of Public Service and Administration.
Higher inflation, especially rising food and petrol prices, is one of the reasons for its rejection, said Lewis.
”The NEC reaffirms the original demands of labour … for a 12% increase — this in response to the overwhelming mandate from members.”
He said another meeting will be held on May 3. If the union’s demands are not met by then, strike action will follow. ”Industrial action, including marches and pickets culminating in strike action, will be held by the end of May.”
Sadtu is the largest union in the public service, representing nearly two-thirds of teachers with a membership of 230 000, and the second-largest union in the country.
The NEC governs the union between congresses and national general councils. — Sapa