TUC President's message of solidarity to South African public sector workers

TUC President Dougie Rooney, who is currently on a visit to our sister federation COSATU in South Africa, addressed a strike rally of over 20,000 public sector workers in Pretoria on Tuesday 10 August 2010.

Across South Africa some 1.3 million Public Sector workers took strike action on the 10th following the rejection of a wage offer made by the Government. Unions are claiming an 8.5% increase in basic salary together with a housing allowance of R1000. The government offer would have seen basic salaries increase by 7% together with a housing allowance of R650 per month.

The industrial action included teachers, doctors, nurses, police and municipal workers and received strong support throughout the country.

Speaking at mass rally in Pretoria, alongside the COSATU President Sdumo Dlamini, Dougie informed the assembled crowd:

"Comrades - I bring you fraternal greetings from the TUC in the UK and I also bring you total solidarity from the TUC to all Public Sector Workers in South Africa. You have a justifiable claim and the General Council of the TUC understands the sense of grievance that Public Service Workers have in South Africa given the excessive financial rewards that others receive in the country.

Public Sector workers are the heart of communities throughout the world, whether it be in Pretoria, Johannesburg, London or Manchester; without Public Sector workers we cannot have a civilised society that looks after the vulnerable and the poor and ensures that health care is available free of charge at the point of need. We will have our own struggle in the UK and we are preparing for that struggle. We therefore stand four square alongside you - Onward to Victory"

Further information on the strike can be found at;

http://www.cosatu.org.za/

and

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/africa/2010/08/100810_sa_strike.shtml