South Africa: Public service union members continue nationwide strike causing hospital service disruptions, as of March 8 /update 1

Event

Members of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) remain on an indefinite nationwide strike over wage disputes as of March 8. Reports suggest the strike action of the COSATU-affiliated National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union (NEHAWU) has heavily disrupted public hospitals nationwide. Clashes between striking civil servants and security forces have been occasionally reported, with minor acts of arson and road blockages. Gatherings and localized disruptions have been noted in major urban centers, including in public hospitals in Klerksdorp (North West Province), Bloemfontein (Free State), Johannesburg (Gauteng), East London and Mthatha (Eastern Cape), Durban and Pietermaritzburg (KwaZulu-Natal), Kimberley (Northern Cape), Cape Town (Western Cape), Musina and Polokwane (Limpopo), and Mbombela (Mpumalanga).

Administrative delays and health service disruptions are likely in the coming days. Peripheral protests could be held in several major cities nationwide. Occasional pickets are possible beside government buildings, including public hospitals, ports, and government institutions. Police will likely maintain heightened security near government buildings. Localized traffic disruptions are likely near any gatherings that materialize and along the protest routes. Clashes may also occur if protesters are overly disruptive or police forcibly disperse demonstrators.

Context

COSATU is South Africa's largest trade union federation, numbering approximately 1.5 million members. Trade union members include the National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union (NEHAWU), the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU), the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union, the South African Medical Association Trade Union (SAMATU), the South African Emergency Personnel's Union (SAEPU), the Public and Allied Workers Union of South Africa (PAWUSA), the National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers (NUPSAW), the South African Emergency Personnel's Union (SAEPU), the South African Policing Union (SAPU) and the Democratic Nursing Organization of South Africa (DENOSA).

The current bout of strikes follows a breakdown of negotiations between trade unions and authorities in February. The department of public service has offered a 4.7 percent increase, while unions demanded 10-12 percent, citing rising inflation as a minimum threshold for the wage increase.

Advice

Plan for public services and transport disruptions. Reconfirm business meetings with affected government agencies. Reconfirm medical appointments. Avoid demonstrations that materialize. Allow additional time to reach destinations in the event of protests. If violence occurs, leave the area immediately and take shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building.