02 Mar 2023 | 03:30 PM UTC
South Africa: Public service union members to embark on nationwide strike over wage dispute, from March 6
Public service union members to go on nationwide indefinite strike in South Africa over wage dispute, from March 6. Possible protests.
Event
Members of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) will embark on an indefinite nationwide strike over wage disputes from March 6. This follows the 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.
Administrative delays are likely for the duration of the strike. Peripheral protests could be held in several major cities nationwide on March 6. 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. Low-level 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 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).
Advice
Plan for public services and transport disruptions. Reconfirm business meetings with affected government agencies. 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.
