SADTU slams the intimidation of striking members
As the strike by public service workers enters its second week, the South African Democratic Teachers' Union (SADTU) has noted the increased use of violence by the state machinery against our members.
We are also concerned about the intimidating war talk being used by the employer. We believe this may be due to the misinterpretation of the court interdict issued over the weekend regarding essential services. Instead of concentrating on peripheral issues and playing to the gallery by misinforming the public, we urge the Government to focus on the key issues and respond to the demands of the workers in order to bring the strike to an end.
Our lawyers are in the process of drafting papers to contest some aspects of the interdict including the costs and the essential services issue on its broadness and will be awaiting the transcripts made by the DPSA so that other areas can be considered.
Demonstrations and pickets taking place in strategic places across this country have been met by arrests and shooting of our members by the police.
Our Northern Cape Provincial Secretary, his deputy and fifty members were arrested in Kimberly this morning while leading a peaceful picket.
On Friday, three SADTU members were shot with rubber bullets while picketing in Potchefstroom in the North West Province.
As SADTU, we want to reiterate that we are not going to be intimidated by threats from the State. We have resolved that we are not going to retreat from continuing with our demonstrations until our demands are met. No level of intimidation and threats will steer us away from our just course. Our strike is legal and we will continue to intensify our actions.
We call upon the police to exercise their crowd management skills effectively, instead of resorting to pulling the trigger at a drop of a hat.
We are encouraged by the unity shown by all public service unions during this trying time.
Our struggle continues!
Statement issued by SADTU, August 23 2010
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