Massive public servants march ahead

By Jurina Nkwazi
10 August 2010

Public Service Associations will down tools today.

Last week the unions rejected government's revised wage offer of a 7% increase and a R630 housing allowance, as well as a 1.5% fixed pay progression.

They want an 8.6% wage increase and a R1 000 housing allowance.

There were no scheduled talks on Saturday and Sunday between government and the unions.

“Workers were expected to return to work on Wednesday, but another strike might or might not occur,” said ILC chairperson Chris Klopper.

According to Klopper they will be back in negotiations on Wednesday and will give the government a chance to Sunday to see if we can reach an agreement.

"We will then decide on what further action we are going to take."

The union federation said more than 1.3 million public servants are expected to partake in today’s marches across the country.

National marches would take place in Cape Town and Pretoria, as well as provincial marches in other cities.