Fin24 reports that the Public Servants Association (PSA) has threatened to intensify its industrial action in the public service sector and is entertaining a revolt against paying municipal rates and possible marches to the homes of Cabinet ministers.
This comes as the deadlock in the public wage talks rages on, after the government unilaterally implemented a 3% baseline wage increase in the public service, which will be paid to all qualifying public servants from this week. The PSA is demanding a 10% baseline increase, as are public service unions affiliated with the ANC-aligned Cosatu. Only the SA Democratic Teachers' Union (Sadtu) has accepted the 3% wage offer from the government, albeit reluctantly. The PSA said in a statement that after last week's action, it was prepared to turn up the heat on the government with protest demonstrations that would bring the pressure straight to ministers' front doors. "Marches on national roads and night vigils at strategic places, including ministers' residences, are not ruled out as workers are frustrated by increasing poverty while thieves are enriching themselves with public funds. Public servants may further consider boycotting payment of municipality bills owing to unaffordability and privileges for politicians until government pays attention," the statement indicated. The union warned that an intensified strike would frustrate processes at border posts and slow down, if not halt, the issuing of identity documents and passports.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Khulekani Magubane at Fin24
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