The strike by public service unions should be conducted in a dignified manner.

The strike by public service unions should be conducted in a dignified manner.

To that extent, members of the unions involved should be allowed to exercise their right to strike or to abstain without any threats or intimidation.

The disruption of classes at a school in Montshioa township in Mafikeng and the assault of a school principal, two pupils and a cleaner at a school in Ennerdale, on the West Rand, by Sadtu members on Monday must be condemned.

The striking teachers also broke the Ennerdale school secretary's computer and stole the principal's laptop and cellphone.

This is disgraceful.

The strike had received huge support from members of the public following the exposure of their low salaries.

Resorting to violence to prove their point will only turn the strike into a charade and alienate public sympathy for what is supposed to be a legitimate industrial action.

Members of the public sector unions should understand that their members have a right to abstain from strike action and report for duty if they so wish.

This right of expression, enshrined in the constitution of this country, must be respected.

Violent actions will only serve to rubbish their noble cause of fighting for decent salaries.