Pretoria - As one million public servants embark on an indefinite strike following labour's rejection of government's revised wage offer of 7 percent, striking employees have been warned against intimidating non-striking employees.
Government has called on trade union leaders to ensure that their members act in a disciplined and peaceful manner.
"Whilst government recognises the right of employees to strike, we call on all employees and their trade unions embarking on strike action to adhere to the rules of engagement by ensuring peaceful protests applicable in our democracy," says Department of Public and Administration spokesperson Dumisani Nkwamba.
According to media reports, learning at certain schools have been disrupted by striking teachers intimidating non-striking teachers.
Nkwamba said government condemned in the strongest terms the disruptive protests and said stringent measures will be taken against employees who violate the code of good practice. He added that the "no work, no pay" principle will be strictly enforced with deductions effected for the duration of the strike action.
All public servants who perform essential services in health, police, correctional services and ports of entry are expected to report for duty in accordance with the Labour Relations Act which stipulates that a dispute must be subjected to arbitration for resolution.
Government's revised offer is inclusive of a 7 percent wage increase, a 0.9 percent increase on housing allowance amounting to R700 per month and a 1.5 percent annual pay progression which 90 percent of employees within service qualify.
Cosatu has indicated that it is still not satisfied with the elimination of discrimination based on marital status with regard to the housing allowance, the process to be followed to effect the equalisation of medical subsidy, the medical aid subsidy for pensioners and the synchronisation of the bargaining and budgetary process with the aim to establish 1 April for the annual adjustment date.
Nkwamba said government remained committed to responding to the issues in the second phase of negotiations scheduled for October 2010 which would include among others, housing with a focus on ownership, equalisation of medical aid subsidy with a view to resolve all outstanding issues.
Public servants are expected to hold pickets at their workstations today, with mass marches planned countrywide on 26 August.
