By Bonile Ngqiyaza
More than 200 000 teachers have threatened to strike if the government and public servants fail to reach a wage settlement .
Trade federation Cosatu's second-biggest affiliate and the biggest public service union, the SA Democratic Teachers' Union (Sadtu), on Thursday became the second trade union to make its intention to strike known.
The next round of talks between the government and the unions is due next Thursday.
The unions have warned that South Africa looks set to be hit by a series of strikes that would "bring the country to its knees".
Wage negotiations - which began last August, involving eight unions with a combined membership of about 1,1-million - reached deadlock last week.
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The two parties show no signs that they will compromise. The government is offering an inflation-related increase of 5,3 percent, revised to 6 perecent.
The unions are demanding 12 percent, with some government employees conducting lunchtime pickets at various government offices around the country.
"A decision was taken to start with these warm-up sessions during which we demonstrate and picket government institutions. Two days ago, it was (the) home affairs department. There are several others that we have identified.
"If the conciliation talks fail on Thursday, we have said we may as well go on strike then," said Alistair Charles, the lead negotiator for the National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union (Nehawu).
Speaking immediately after a Sadtu national executive committee meeting on Wednesday, the union's general secretary, Thulas Nxesi, rejected the government's explanation that the 12 percent was unaffordable and described the 6 percent offer as "a slap in the face of workers".
He asked why it was that the judiciary, members of the executive and cabinet were going to receive raises of about 30 percent and more.
"The insult, because it is an insult, is compounded by the findings of the recent Moseneke Commission and news of increased inflation, especially food and petrol prices."
Nxesi said before the strike could take place, the union would consult with the Education Alliance, representing the youth, students and community organisations.
Sadtu members would be asked to vote on whether they favoured industrial action or not.
Finally, a joint management committee of the Cosatu unions represented at the talks would be convened at the end of mediation to evaluate the offer and to finalise the unions' mandates.
"The strike is to be indefinite. The timing has still to be considered and finalised in consultation with the other public service unions within and outside Cosatu.
"However, strike action must begin in the month of May," said Nxesi.
- This article was originally published on page 2 of The Star on April 25, 2007
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