Cosatu unions march for better public sector wages

Cosatu says it wants to exact pressure on negotiators to improve the offer of just below 6 percent.

Around 10,000 people march through the Pretoria city centre calling for better wages in the public sector on 23 April 2015. Picture: Govan Whittles/EWN.

Govan Whittles | 1515 days ago

PRETORIA - Around 10,000 people were marching through the Pretoria city centre on Thursday morning calling for better wages in the public sector.

The workers belong to seven Congress of South African Trade Unions' (Cosatu) unions which are threatening to go on strike if government doesn't improve its 5,8 percent wage offer. The unions are demanding a 10 percent hike plus a R1,500 housing allowance.

The protestors, all of who a public servants in Gauteng, marched past the National treasury, which the workers accused of blocking an improved wage offer.

#CosatuMarch COSATU's acting general secretary Bheki Ntshalintshali with treasury representative. GW pic.twitter.com/s0xCnLoZrw
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) April 23, 2015

The federation's Gauteng secretary Dumisani Dakile says the protest action was only a warning.

"This is just a warning to government, of something more that is still to come. If they don't listen now, all hell is going to break loose."

Cosatu's national leadership is also attending and iss expected to address the crowed later in the afternoon.

Some of the posters being displayed read, "Forward with inquiry into public health spending".

The significant turnout is Cosatu's strongest show force since the start of the talks, which it has described as unprecedented.

The march will end at the Public Service Department.

#CosatuMarch There are more than 10000 people here now. City center around the high court is at a standstill. GW
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) April 23, 2015

#CosatuMarch A few of the interesting posters at public sector unions march for higher wages. GW pic.twitter.com/FNWeOxt9zD
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) April 23, 2015

#CosatuMarch The march for better public sector wages & a housing allowance is now in full swing. GW pic.twitter.com/aBkoHtXiCG
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) April 23, 2015

More in Local

Comments

EWN welcomes all comments that are constructive, contribute to discussions in a meaningful manner and take stories forward.

However, we will NOT condone the following:

- Racism (including offensive comments based on ethnicity and nationality)
- Sexism
- Homophobia
- Religious intolerance
- Cyber bullying
- Hate speech
- Derogatory language
- Comments inciting violence.

We ask that your comments remain relevant to the articles they appear on and do not include general banter or conversation as this dilutes the effectiveness of the comments section.

We strive to make the EWN community a safe and welcoming space for all.

EWN reserves the right to: 1) remove any comments that do not follow the above guidelines; and, 2) ban users who repeatedly infringe the rules.

Should you find any comments upsetting or offensive you can also flag them and we will assess it against our guidelines.

EWN is constantly reviewing its comments policy in order to create an environment conducive to constructive conversations.

Cosatu unions march for better public sector wages

Timeline

Cosatu to assist in Samwu's conflict with former members

'Wake up before it's too late,' unions warn govt after GDP falls

Ramaphosa's Cabinet, ANC poll performance on agenda at Cosatu CEC meeting

Cosatu urges Ramaphosa to consider Cabinet of between 20 and 25 ministers

Comments

Choose an EWN Twitter account

Choose an EWN app