Cosatu says there will be a "total shutdown" when all its members join public servants in a sympathy strike next week.

General secretary Zwelinzima Vavi said yesterday: "All Cosatu unions, in both the public and private sectors, will embark on a sympathy strike.

"No member of Cosatu will be at work next week."

Also yesterday, the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) confirmed that its members in Gauteng would go on a sympathy strike on Friday.

Samwu spokesperson Tahir Sema said: "There will be a total shutdown of all Gauteng municipal services, including water, customer service, Metro Police and municipal clinics to show support for our colleagues," Sema said.

"We are consulting other provinces to join."

Vavi said all Cosatu members, including in the private sector, would give employers tomorrow notice of their intention to join next week.

"We do need a total shutdown until government comes to its senses and accede to the legitimate demands of the working class."

Vavi said the government was "misleading" the public when it said a 8,5percent revised offer had been tabled.

"Public sector negotiations take place at the public service bargaining council. The council has never been presented with that offer."

Vavi said the government had refused to sign a minimum wage and labour agreement with the unions.

"Government wants to declare all civil servants as essential services so that there won't be a strike.

"We are willing to sit and address issues such as skeletal staff with the government," Vavi said.

He said at least 1,3million public servants were currently on strike.

He warned volunteers not to "cross" the picket line.