Cape Town – Members of the South African Policing Union (Sapu) are threatening to join their colleagues in the nursing sector on the picket line, to protest for higher wages.
The union reportedly said the strike would start on March 17 and vowed not to “surrender” until its demands were met.
“SAPU wishes to inform our members that a notice to strike was served to the public service and administration department. Members are encouraged to join the picket line,” the notice read, according to News24.
The union is demanding a 10% salary increase.
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“These workers all render very important and critical services to South African citizens. They also do their jobs with dedication, so the 10% in demand should not be a problem. Every employee is important and jobs should be equally prioritised,” IOL quoted Sapu union spokesperson Lesiba Tsobakgale as saying.
He said they are also demanding a R1 000 housing allowance increase.
“Nothing has been put on the table by the employers, the only response we have received from them so far is that there is no money to settle these demands. We have over 34 000 public servants who are allowed to take part in the strike,” said Tsobakgale.
On Monday a labour court ordered the industrial action by trade union Nehawu be halted with immediate effect, but the strikers – dressed in red union colours – continued picketing and chanting outside some hospitals.
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Picture: Twitter/@SAPoliceServices
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu