SADTU Embarks on an Indefinite Strike over Wages

The National Executive Committee of The South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) has taken a unanimous decision that the Union will embark on a full scale indefinite strike over wages beginning with a total shut down from tomorrow (18 August 2010).  The announcement was made at a special NEC meeting in Isando in Johannesburg today (17 August, 2010).

The members totally rejected the latest government offer of R700 for housing allowance, 7% of salary adjustment and the 1st July implementation date and have shown overwhelming support for a strike.

Our demands remain the same, 8.6% salary adjustment, R1000.00 for housing allowance, equalisation of medical aid and 1st April implementation date.

The NEC also noted the utterances by the State President Jacob Zuma and strongly condemned his statement.

The government has a responsibility to honour the demands by workers without trivialising them. Politics cannot be separated from the struggle for labour rights. It must be clear that wages cannot be separated from service delivery, so is politics. The current macroeconomic policy, which is a political matter, is responsible for low wages in the public services.

The NEC further resolved to work with the Joint Mandating Committee (COSATU-aligned public service unions) and the broader labour caucus in developing a programme of action.

The strike programme will include a total shut down of institutions. Branch meetings will be convened on the 18 August to formally communicate the decision of NEC.

Statement issued by SADTU Secretariat, August 17 2010

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