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South African Public Servants Back at Work

   but  say  it  does  not  mean  they  accept  government's latest wage,
   benefits offer

   VOA News 07 September 2010
   Union  members, during their protest in Johannesburg, South Africa, 02
   Sep 2010

Photo: AP

   Union  members, during their protest in Johannesburg, South Africa, 02
   Sep 2010

   South  African  public  service workers returned to their jobs Tuesday
   after suspending a three-week strike.

   Unions  representing 1.3 million workers put the strike on hold Monday
   but  said  this does not mean they accept the government's latest wage
   and benefits offer.

   The  strike  shut down schools and disrupted hospitals, prompting army
   medics to take over from striking doctors and nurses.

   Workers  are  demanding  a  8.6  percent  pay  increase  and a housing
   allowance  of $137 per month. The government has offered a 7.5 percent
   increase and a $110 allowance.

   The government earlier offered an increase of 7 percent and less money
   for  housing.  In a statement Monday, the main labor federation COSATU
   said workers had forced the government to make concessions.

   It  said  individual  unions  now  have  21 days to consult with their
   members.

   Some information for this report was provided by Reuters.

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