Hope for renewed strike negotiations

By Lelethu Mquqo
30 August 2010

President Jacob Zuma has instructed ministers involved in the public sector wage negotiations to return to the negotiating table immediately.

Zuma held a meeting with the ministers over the weekend to discuss the impact of the prolonged strike on the country.

In his first statement on the strike since his return from a state visit to China, Zuma has instructed unions and government to put the interests of the country first.

Meanwhile, workers in the tyre manufacturing and rubber industries downed tools this morning.
Numsa members are demanding a 15-percent pay increase.

However, Police minister Nathi Mthetwa says protesters who crush on other people’s rights will be dealt with.

Mthetwa called on volunteers to help soften the civil servants’ strike’s impact.

He vowed that the police and army would protect volunteers and non-striking workers.