Agha blog

South African public workers suspend 20-day strike

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) – South African public sector unions announced the suspension Monday of a three-week-old strike that has crippled the health service and forced widespread school closures.

"Labour has decided to suspend the strike, and this does not mean that we have accepted the state offer," Thobile Ntola, chairman of the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU), told a press conference on behalf of all the unions involved.

"We are expecting workers to go back to work as soon as possible, as the strike is suspended immediately," Ntola said.

About 1.3 million public workers went on strike on August 18 demanding an 8.6 percent wage increase -- more than twice the rate of inflation -- and a 1,000 rand (139 dollar, 108 euro) housing allowance.

The government is offering a 7.5 percent wage increase and an 800-rand housing subsidy.

Workers had initially rejected the proposal, but unions have been meeting since Thursday with their members to explain the details of the offer, which includes other benefits such as improved medical insurance.

Ntola said 21 days had been allocated for workers to decide whether to accept the latest offer.

The ruling African National Congress welcomed the announcement that workers would return to the job, after a strike that hit schools and hospitals especially hard.

"We believe this is a step in the right decision in ensuring stability and normality in our public sector offerings, particular around education and health services," the party said in a statement.

The strike has closed down schools and hospital services, with army medics deployed to help doctors around the country to minimise the impact.

Striking workers themselves do not get paid, meaning many are feeling a financial crunch because of the stayaway.

The stayaway was also marred by sometimes violent demonstrations outside schools and hospitals, resulting in clashes with the police.

The strike mainly affected poor South Africans dependent on public services, which are already under strain as government struggles to expand access to housing, water and electricity.

The government regularly faces protests in poor neighbourhoods over the lack of basic services, and the finance ministry has warned that its rising wage bill is hindering its ability to pay for improvements.

Wages accounted for 35 percent of the national budget three years ago, but has jumped to 47 percent after a series of hefty increases.

But workers are infuriated at reports of corruption within government and the lavish spending on luxury cars and posh hotels by top ministers.

The labour tensions have also taken a political toll on President Jacob Zuma, who rose to power on the back of support from unions who had expected him to soften South Africa's pro-business economic policies to favour the poor.