The Public Service Association (PSA) is forging ahead with its intention to embark on rolling mass action from Monday.
This follows the breakdown of negotiations for a 12% salary increase after nine months of deliberation between the PSA and government.
PSA deputy-general manager Tahir Maepa said it was regrettable that civil action now seemed inevitable, “but we have no other option.
“Negotiations have completely collapsed.”
Asked about the PSA’s plans to shut down cross-border trade, Maepa said South Africa’s busiest points of entry with Mozambique and Zimbabwe would be affected.
Apart from having the border posts of Komatipoort and Beitbridge in their cross hairs, the PSA also intends to target Oliver Tambo, King Shaka, and Cape Town International Airports.
Initially it was thought that the strike would result in one day of mass action dubbed “Day of Anger”, planned for this coming Monday.
Instead the PSA’s “strategic approach” is to embark on “staggered strikes”, causing random bedlam at border control and international airports when the government least expects it.
“We don’t want the government to prepare for where our members intend to strike,” Maepa said.
Responding to a question about the adverse effect such action would have on the economy, Maepa said “we have given the government enough time.
“This has been dragging on for nine months and the government has now stopped talking to us entirely.
“Because it’s wage increases we’re talking about, we can’t litigate. Therefore striking is our only option.”
Maepa also said that the PSA “hardly ever goes on strike”, and that the mass action should be seen against the intense frustration of “underpaid workers” yoked by a recent VAT increase, steep petrol prices, and inflationary pressures.
“We’ve had enough!”
Maepa made it clear, however, that the door was still open for resolution and that they hoped to hear from the Bargaining Council.
Some 17 unions comprising 230 000 government workers are expected to form part of the strike.
FTW Online is still waiting for comment from the respective spokespeople for the Department of Home Affairs and the various airports mentioned.
