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Zuma orders strike intervention

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31 August 2010

The South African government has responded to President Jacob Zuma's directive to hold urgent talks with union leaders to bring an end to the country's near two-week long public service strike.

Following a meeting between Zuma and his ministers at the weekend, the government said on Monday that Public Service Minister Richard Baloyi had been consulting with union leaders with a view to finding a settlement.

According to News 24, Zizi Kodwa, the President's spokeperson, had told his ministers that he could not allow the strike go on, adding that he was particularly concerned about its impact on health and education in the country.

"The President's view is that the strike must end as soon as possible, in the next couple of days," Kodwa said. "He appealed to both sides to put the interests of the country first. That would mean give and take from both sides in negotiations."

Government spokesperson Themba Maseko said in a statement on Monday that the government was "committed to finding a solution that is acceptable to all the parties. Such a solution will be tabled at the Public Sector Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) for approval.

"Government will make every possible endeavour to ensure that a settlement is reached as early as [Monday] evening so that all public servants can return to work. We remain optimistic that a solution will indeed be found sooner."

Maseko said the government "shares the public's concern about the strike and the negative impact that it has had on delivery of such services as schooling and medical care.

"Government assures the public that everything will be done to find a solution to the dispute, and will work together with public service unions to find an amicable solution to the impasse."

Source: BuaNews