Share

Strikers to vote on new offer

Johannesburg - Striking state workers will vote on Tuesday on an increased wage offer made by the government to try to end a nearly three-week-old strike, the Cosatu union federation said.

The government increased its offer to 7.5% from 7% - compared to the union demand for 8.6% - after being ordered back to negotiations by President Jacob Zuma, under growing political pressure over the stoppages.

"The offer will be discussed by members today and they will vote on whether to accept the new offer," Cosatu president Sidumo Dlamini told Reuters. "We don't know what members will do. Indeed, there has been a shift and we expect members to look at it critically."

The strike has closed schools, prevented treatment at hospitals and harmed investor sentiment in Africa's biggest economy.

Although its impact on currency, bond and stock markets has been minimal so far, that could change if the strike spreads to the broader economy. Cosatu has threatened a one-day sympathy strike by all members on Thursday if no deal is reached.

"At this stage, the sympathy strike on Thursday is on hold. It all depends on our mandate from members," Dlamini said.

As well as the proposed wage increase, the government raised its offer for a monthly housing allowance to R800. Unions have been demanding R1 000.

 

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Rand - Dollar
18.90
+0.2%
Rand - Pound
23.85
+0.2%
Rand - Euro
20.38
+0.3%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.31
+0.2%
Rand - Yen
0.12
+0.2%
Platinum
908.05
0.0%
Palladium
1,014.94
0.0%
Gold
2,232.75
-0.0%
Silver
24.95
-0.1%
Brent Crude
87.00
+1.8%
Top 40
68,346
0.0%
All Share
74,536
0.0%
Resource 10
57,251
0.0%
Industrial 25
103,936
0.0%
Financial 15
16,502
0.0%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Company Snapshot
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE
Government tenders

Find public sector tender opportunities in South Africa here.

Government tenders
This portal provides access to information on all tenders made by all public sector organisations in all spheres of government.
Browse tenders