PSA affiliates in W.Cape postpones strike due to taxi stay-away

Public Service Association affiliates in the Western Cape - COSATU, FEDUSA AND SAFTU, has called off its planned strike.

The unions were set to march to Parliament on Tuesday, as part of a National Day Of Action, after a deadlock was reached in salary negotiations following the government’s offer of a 3% increase and discontinuation of a R1 000 non-pensionable cash gratuity at the end of March next year.

Government was given a seven-day ultimatum to respond to the calls for a 10% increase across the board – this was not met, and unions are heading back to the streets.

However, COSATU’s Malvern De Bruyn says the strike will not occur in the Western Cape, following the strike by SANTACO.

‘’The Leadership of COSATU, FEDUSA AND SAFTU met this morning to reflect on the violent status of the SANTACO action in the Province and the safety of our members and workers. After the Provincial engagement with SANTACO we came to the conclusion that the safety of our members will not be guaranteed should we proceed with the action.’’

‘’We call on SANTACO, The Western Cape Provincial Government and the City of Cape Town to go back to the negotiation table in order for the parties to find an amicable solution to the impasse. We are also calling on the Employers to refrain from taking any action against workers if they cant go to work in fear of their safety,’’ added Malvern de Bruyn, COSATU’s Secretary-General.

De Bruyn says a new date will be made in due course.

‘’The leadership will engage further to decide on the action, but we will have action in this year still.’’

 

Done By: Mitchum George