violence
26 June 2007
The Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa) has expressed grave
concern at the high level of intimidation of its members by striking public
service workers in its meeting with Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana today,
Tuesday. Fedusa said this at its leadership meeting in Roodepoort, Gauteng,
with the Minister, who is currently on a consultative tour with labour unions.
Koos Bezuidenhout, Deputy President of Fedusa said, "The intimidation that is
currently going on needs to be taken care of. Time has come for government to
protect all South Africans and make strikers realise that non-strikers also
have rights.'
In response, the Minister said, "I strongly condemn the intimidation that
has characterised the current public service workers' strike and urge trade
union leaders to deplore such action."There are people who want to use this
strike for political reasons. I find it strange that it was not suspended to
allow the consultation process to take place. At least I credit the National
Professional Teachers' Organisation of South Africa (Naptosa) for suspending
their action," he said.
The Minister said the raging intimidation of non-strikers was unfortunate.
"I have always said once strikers become violent, they destroy the very cause
of their action. To professionals involved in violence, all I can say is to
tell them that they are dragging the name of the profession in the mud. Where
have you seen members of trade unions intimidating their leaders? I would
resign from such a union. During my time as a trade union leader we used to
believe in persuading and convincing those who were not with us," he said.
The Minister said those using violence against non-strikers should be
charged so as to protect the rights of those not on strike. The strike by close
to a million public servants is now in its third week with unions demanding a
wage increase of 10 percent, while government is offering a 7,5 percent wage
hike.
Minister Mdladlana's whirlwind tour of visiting trade unions has already
seen him meeting the National Council of Trade Unions (Nactu) as well as the
South African Commercial and Catering Workers' Union (Saccawu). Turning to
Bargaining Councils and extension of agreements to non-parties, the Minister
said, "We have 15 court cases coming up citing me as the first respondent. I am
not going to extend agreements to non-parties anymore. Remember that the Labour
Relations Act says you should have sufficient representation to belong to the
Bargaining Council.
"The security industry is a classic case. A total of 15 unions in the sector
represent only 20 percent of the workforce, with 80 percent outside the
Bargaining Council. This is clearly a matter of grave concern," he said.
Enquiries:
Zolisa Sigabi
Department of Labour's spokesperson
Cell: 082 906 3878
Dennis George
Fedusa General Secretary
Cell: 084 805 1529
Issued by: Department of Labour
26 June 2007
