Fifteen unions are at the bargaining table talking to the government. Why aren’t you?
Our strike is the result of collapsed negotiations for 2022/2023. We’ll go back to the bargaining table for 2023/2024 once this impasse has been concluded.
The government is offering 4.7% plus bits and pieces, taking it to around 7%. Shouldn’t you at least be looking at this?
They’re misleading the public, it’s not 4.7%. They’re taking the R1,000 gratuity workers are already getting and converting that into the salary baseline. Then they’re saying [they’re] going to add onto that 0.5%. So in essence workers are getting a 0.5% salary increment as opposed to the 4.7%.
So you’re saying there’s no end in sight?
The impasse can be resolved.
If all your demands are met?
No, negotiations are a win and take. If the government comes back to the table and places something workers can accept, the strike can end tomorrow.
Only if you’re at the table?
We’ve invited the government to come and talk to us. They’ve been arrogant.
Arrogance is a two-way street, isn’t it?
We’ve been patient.
How much longer can your members afford this?
Our members are going to continue until the government comes to the table.
“No work, no pay” doesn’t apply to the bosses, does it?
Our leaders are worker leaders so they’re also affected.
So the general secretary isn’t getting paid either?
The GS is an official of the union, he’s employed by the union.
So the strike doesn’t affect union officials?
Officials are remunerated by the union. But the workers are resolute that they’re going to forge ahead with the strike.
While we’re in recession and unemployment is almost 50%? Do you consider this?
We’re conscious of it.
That your members are lucky to have jobs?
That doesn’t mean they should suffer. One member supports more than eight people. They can’t get paid peanuts.
For now they’re not getting paid anything. Will they ever recoup this?
This fight is long term, it’s for the future.
What right do they have to stop sick people going to hospital?
These are sporadic incidents. The majority have been well behaved.
Why did fellow union Sadtu issue a statement condemning the thuggery and bullying of your members?
We’re not responding to that in the media. The majority have been protesting peacefully.
So why did five provinces get court interdicts stopping them from obstructing and intimidating patients and staff?
We do not know what has led to that.
Evidence?
We refute it.
That they’ve pulled nurses out of intensive-care units and childbirth wards?
Our members have assured us that they’ve not done that.
How do you explain that the loss of at least four lives has been linked to your strike?
We don’t know this report the minister is talking about.
Is this kind of behaviour acceptable in a democracy?
It’s not acceptable in a democracy when the government reneges on implementing resolutions, when it doesn’t respect workers. That’s not the kind of behaviour that’s acceptable in a democracy.
Isn’t the thing about democracy that you’ve got the vote?
We’re not talking about the vote here, we’re talking about employer-employee relations.
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