Cleaning sector intensifies strike action

By Nadia Samie

The South African Transport and Allied Workers Union says that the strike in the cleaning sector will be stepped up this week, after negotiations last week failed to reach a breakthrough.

The strike in the cleaning sector began on August 1st. The strikers, who are from SATAWU and 15 other unions, say they have been left with no other option but to escalate their strike action. National co-ordinator of SATAWU’s cleaning sector, Dollie Motshwua, says that the following strike action will take place this week:

Wednesday 23rd August: there will be demonstrations at all international airports, including Johannesburg International, Cape Town International, Port Elizabeth etc.

Thursday 24th August: pickets will be held at selected private hospitals nationally.

Friday 25th August: the same will be held at selected Shopping Malls.

SATAWU has now called for a sympathy strike from cleaning sector workers in Kwa-Zulu Natal, who are not currently on strike as they have a different bargaining forum. They have also called on other sectors within the union, including security guards, to join the strike.