8 June 2007

The Inkatha Freedom Party has called on both government and the unions to negotiate in good faith to put an end to the current impasse over salaries.

In a statement issued today in reaction to the on-going strike action, the KwaZulu-Natal IFP Chairperson Mr. Mntomuhle Khawula said:

"Inkatha Freedom Party unreservedly supports a call for better working conditions for public servants and all workers of South Africa. It cannot be denied that many people in this country still earn salaries that are dismally failing to meet their needs. And the fact that there is an exodus from the public service to the private sector and foreign countries is evident enough that conditions of service are not yet up to standard.

"However, we are deeply dismayed at the reports of intimidation and harassment to which non-striking workers are subjected by those on strike.

In some cases even school learners have been subjected to harassment. We therefore urge the leadership of the Unions to ensure that their members do not lose their heads and thus mar what may be an understandable cause. Let them remember that democracy means freedom to choose and that right extends to non-striking workers as well."

"Lastly, we want to call on both government and the Union Leadership to put the good of the country above their partisan interests by moving faster and in good faith towards solving the current impasse."



FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Mntomuhle Khawula
082 786 9030