The striking South African state workers might finally end their three week strike after a vote that will be held on Tuesday.
The government as already increased its offer from 7% to 7,5%. The unions is demanding a 8,6% increase. It was the pressure from President Jacob Zuma that all was ordered to continue with the discussions. The government has also raised ist offer for the monthly housing allowance to R800, but still the unions isn’t happy with this and is demanding an even bigger increase to R1000.
The strike has negatively impacted several sectors in South Africa including hospitals, education facilities and also made South Africa (Africa’s biggest economy) look bad for future investors on an international scale.
For now it seems the unions might reject the following offer from the government, which will put even more pressure on the government and extent the strike. It has been confirmed by COSATU President Sidumo Dlamini that if the offer is totally rejected they will go on a so called sympathy strike on Thursday. This will again influence sectors such as mining as well as manufacturing.
Luckily for South Africa the effect on the country’s currency and stock markets have been low, but should the strike continue this might change.

Wilhelm Lutjeharms