JOHANNESBURG – The South African government and unions representing 1.3 million striking state workers had up until last night to settle a 13-day strike following President Jacob Zuma’s order to ministers to negotiate immediately to end the walkout.
According to a Reuters report, union officials hoped Zuma’s call and the negotiations would lead to an improved offer to end the labour dispute that has closed schools, prevented treatment at hospitals and harmed investors sentiment toward Africa’s largest economy.
“I have reason to be optimistic because the employer called us to a meeting,” said Manie De Clerq, a spokesman for the Public Servants Association.
Fikile Majola, secretary-general of the NEHAWU union, said he expected the government to bring a new offer to the table.
So far, the government said it could not afford the demand for increases of more than double inflation to end the 13-day old strike, which threatened to spread across the economy.
Zuma’s spokesman said the president was particularly concerned about the impact on health and education.
“The president’s view is that the strike must end as soon as possible, in the next couple of days,” Zizi Kodwa said, adding that Zuma had spoken to government ministers at the weekend to tell them to resume talks.
South Africa’s biggest strike since 2007 in terms of lost man days has left bonds, stocks and the rand largely unaffected, but market players said the strike would cap gains by the rand and could have a bigger impact if it dragged on.
The public service workers’ unions are demanding an 8.6-per cent pay increase and a higher housing allowance of 1 000 rand (US$136).
However, the government said its final offer was seven per cent and that if no agreement was reached, it would begin paying the workers at that rate.
In the wake of the strike, members of South Africa’s army, including doctors and security personnel, have taken control of 37 public hospitals, including the country’s largest in Johannesburg (Reuters/VOA news.com)
