Unions suspend public sector strike

South African public sector workers suspended a pay strike yesterday as it entered its fourth week. The strike by 1.3 million workers has hit schools, state hospitals and the judiciary. Strikers have demanded a pay rise of 8.6 per cent, twice the inflation rate, and a R1,000 (£90) a month housing allowance.

President Jacob Zuma's government has raised its offer to 7.5 per cent and R800 for housing but workers rejected it and unions asked for more time to explain it to their members.

"Labour has decided to suspend the strike and this does not mean we have accepted the state offer," the 19 unions said. Reuters