Union leaders keen to end strike
STRIKING public servants at the weekend were seriously considering a proposal to end their industrial action.
Vavi accused of 'killing off' mass action
Their decision was to be announced by Cosatu at a press briefing yesterday afternoon but it was postponed hours before it was to be made.
Sowetan was told that all unions involved in the nearly month-long strike spent the weekend trying to persuade their members to return to work and accept the government's revised offer of a 7,5percent salary hike and R800 housing allowance.
Officials on Friday "were informed of the latest decision for unions to consider to demobilise members due to the high levels of intimidation".
Cosatu spokesperson Patrick Craven said: "The press briefing was postponed because some unions are still consulting their members.
"They felt it would be premature to make an announcement before consulting their members. Everything will be revealed at a press briefing tomorrow (Monday)."
A Western Cape union official accused Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi of "killing off the strike" by cancelling last week's planned secondary strike of Cosatu members.
"We were counting on the secondary strike last week to give us more power. That was going to be our weapon," said the source.
"But Vavi called it off at the last minute."
Leaders have been instructed by workers to force the government to backdate the 7,5%increase to April 2010.
"The leadership do not want to be accused of selling out. They want the workers to call it off. We are just hanging in the air waiting to be told that an agreement has been signed."
While Cosatu refused to give details for the postponement, a senior unionist, who did not want his name published, said: "They were to announce whether or not the strike would be called off based on the various unions' consultations with their members.
"But when it was established that not all unions had completed the consultation process, the decision was to make an announcement this morning."
National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union Kwazulu-Natal spokesperson Khaye Nkwanyana confirmed that they had since Friday been in consultations with members calling for a suspension of the strike.
"We did begin consulting with our members and large numbers of our members are not in favour. We are, however, continuing with efforts to persuade them to abandon the strike."
South African Democratic Teachers Union Kwazulu-Natal chairperson Chris Ndlela said: "Unions were supposed to meet yesterday to discuss the final word on whether to suspend the strike, but the meeting was later cancelled because some unions had not finalised the consultation process.
"We have been briefed by our national leaders to consider suspending the strike but the actual return to work will be left to members."
National Teacher Union president Allen Thompson said: "We were informed that this is the decision taken on Friday.
"Our members were not on strike but the high level of intimidation forced our members to down tools in the fear of their lives.
"We would definitely welcome the suspension of the strike."
I support the strike......100%
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1malesia
This strike has got to come to an end. Government should really re-consider as the public is also taking enormous strain also. If they have money to entertain and drive expensive cars, rent expensive building etc, surely they can afford this increase?!Report Abuse
Garang
If the Mzansi civil servants can afford to go for 2wks with out work, why go back to work and earn peanuts again. Join the informal sector and become your own bosses and you will see who you will strike against...Lazy people....NXA!Report Abuse
Decolonised
This is what happens when the labour movement is in bed with government. When it comes to the crunch, labour will have to compromise/capitulate...! Who suffers? The workers of course! Until labour stands alone, this charade will continue...wait and see labour campaign for the gov, just before the elections!Report Abuse
Mchalino
What happened to comments that the strike will continue indefinitely? Are the unions out of Paraffin now? Of course this strike must end. The government must not undermine its workers. Once this strike is called off, they must not relax and think is over.Report Abuse
Giyani
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the pupils must not give up hope and take to the streets as well, then there'll be chaos!!Report Abuse
Garang
Vavi should learn fro the Likes of Morgan Tsvangirai and Fredrick Chiluba just to mention two who were catapulted to governance by hoodwinking workers. Vavi, this your chance to rule Mzansi without the trouble of having to go to war. The super highway is open...take it man..!Report Abuse
Mchalino
Once beaten twice shy! Let me warn the unions. They never win any battle with the government in future once they accept defeat now. So keep that in mind.Report Abuse
Mantombi
I suspect they paid a bribe to Vavi. Why change of heart all of a sudden?Report Abuse
set
Hey, guys don't forget that Vavi campaigned for JZ for presidency in 2007. He allies himself for cabinet post next time. He will be doing the same to workers. Draw a lesson from Shilowa masokisi abomvu! They put him into govt power, he became power drunk and ridiculed the same workers he used to leads. Sosholoza Mshini wami. Usasowuvuthela.Report Abuse