Postal strike in full swing

Johannesburg - At least 9 000 post office workers, undeterred by snow and gusty winds, began a nationwide strike on Thursday, the Communication Workers' Union (CWU) said.

"Our members are determined as hell, nothing will stop them from this industrial action not even weather conditions like snow or rain," CWU general secretary Gallant Roberts said, as South Africa experienced bitterly cold weather conditions.

He said about 9 000 of 14 000 members had began picketing at various post offices, mail depots, and mail vendors in all nine provinces from early morning.

Disgruntled workers were demanding an end to the "apartheid wage gap" within the post office, saying black workers were earning the lowest salaries.

"It is now more than ten years that we as workers in South Africa have been enjoying the least of the rewards of our hard-fought-for democracy, a matter that CWU is not prepared to tolerate any longer."

Roberts believed the real impact of the strike would be seen from Friday.

"It's too early to tell what the impact is but this action would affect mostly retail outlets because the majority of our members work there, some in main processing rooms and others in the mail delivery division."

By 14:00 on Thursday, the union and the employer, the SA Post Office (SAPO) were locked in discussions at the offices of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration.

"We are confident that this issue would be addressed soon. If not, we will be handing over a memorandum on August 26," said Roberts.

He said no incidents of violence had been reported anywhere in the country during the protest so far.

"We will picket until late this afternoon and our members will, as always, remain disciplined."

On Tuesday, John Wentzel, SAPO's chief operating officer, said the issue - which had been under discussion with the union since 2002 - related to salary differentials within the various salary bands.

"The situation has its roots in history and there are a number of causes for the salary differentials."

He said it would be "simplistic" to look at the issue as one of race.

The post office, he said, was committed to talks for a speedy resolution.

Attempts to reach Wentzel on Thursday were unsuccessful.

- Sapa