Friday, May 25, 2007

Thousands expected in CBD for public sector march

By Nadia Samie
25 May 2007


Thousands of public sector workers will march in all major South African cities today. In Cape Town, workers are congregating at Kaizersgracht, opposite the castle, from 11am. Trade union federation Cosatu’s Tony Ehrenreich says that 40 000 workers are expected to turn out for the march, which will end outside Parliament.
The unions are demanding a 12 percent wage increase, while government is offering six percent. More than a million South African workers are expected to take part in the strike action today.

Schools will close early today, as many teachers have indicated that they will be marching. The education department’s Gert Witbooi has expressed concern about this, as it is close to the important June exams.

Friday’s action kicks off large-scale strike action set to take place next month, if the workers demands are not met. Government has called for more talks early next week.

The unions participating in Friday's countrywide march are SADTU, NEHAWU, POPCRU, DENOSA, SADNU, PAWUSA, HOSPERSA. SAPU, NAPTOSA.

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