National Intelligence Agency (NIA) agents visited an office of the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (Sadtu) on Wednesday to question officials about a looming strike, according to the union.
Spokesperson Jon Lewis said Sadtu was concerned that this might amount to intimidation of its members.
No comment had been forthcoming from the NIA by late on Wednesday afternoon.
Sadtu would not divulge even the province in which the office was situated to protect its officials.
Lewis said: ”We condemn any involvement by the NIA in industrial disputes.
”Such actions serve to politicise what is a straightforward labour dispute.”
The teachers’ union said that along with other public-service unions, it was simply asserting the right of members to strike in pursuit of legitimate wage demands.
”We therefore call on those responsible to cease and desist from any further interference in the legitimate trade-union activities of Sadtu, and any other trade union involved in the business of representing members’ interests.”
Deputy general- secretary Don Pasquallie added: ”With all the hype around the succession debate, we are concerned that some people see more in the strike than what it’s all about.” — Sapa