COSATU says will find ways to ease public sector tensions amid union wage strike threats
The threats to strike came ahead May’s general elections, which could be a headache for the COSATU's alliance partner, the ANC.
- Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU)
- Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU)
- African National Congress (ANC)
Cosatu House in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. Picture: @_cosatu/X
JOHANNESBURG - The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) said it would find ways to ease any tensions in the public sector, as some unions threatened to strike over wages.
The threats came ahead of May’s general elections, which could be a headache for COSATU's alliance partner, the African National Congress (ANC).
There are fears that the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) will break away from a resolution to support the governing party at polls, along with other affiliates.
POPCRU is among some disgruntled public servants after government approved a 4.7% wage increase for the current financial year.
While the hike was part of a two-year wage deal signed in 2023, some workers believe it's not enough to keep up with the high cost of living.
COSATU spokesperson, Matthew Parks, said the union federation was aware of the tensions.
"There are always going to be issues. We always have to deal with them and respond to them. We can’t simply collapse because we can’t win a certain battle or not have a solution."