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South Africa’s biggest teacher and education workers’ union Sadtu and an affiliate of Cosatu, will not take part in a nationwide strike planned by Saftu on Wednesday, 25 April, 2018.

We want to categorically refute the lies peddled by some Saftu leaders claiming that Cosatu will join their strike on Wednesday.  This is done deliberately in order to cause confusion among our members.

We urge SADTU members not to be misled to heed Saftu’s mischevious call to embark on an UNPROTECTED strike that will result in no work, no pay.

On 27 September, 2017, we embarked on a national protected strike called by Cosatu over corruption and state capture that was undermining our democracy and sovereignty.  NEDLAC issued a Section 77 Certificate to ensure the strike was protected. Members who are going to take to the streets on Wednesday need to know that their strike is not protected because their union, Sadtu has not called for the strike.

Secondly, Sadtu will never support the strike because as an affiliate of Cosatu, we support the National Minimum Wage  that will see an increase in salaries of more than 6 million workers who are currently earning less  than R3500 a month , which is much more higher than the R1800 which business and employers were insisting on.

Sadtu and Cosatu members should know the difference between a Living wage and Minimum Wage. Our demand for a Living Wage remains and we see the National Minimum Wage as one step towards realizing our Living Wage demand.

Sadtu members will, in their large numbers, attend Cosatu rallies and marches all over the country on Tuesday, 1 May, 2018. Cosatu is our home , our durable weapon with a proven track record of struggle and not a fly by night movement built on egos and populism.

Issued by Sadtu