Issued by: Office of the Premier
The Gauteng Executive Council met on Monday 23 August in an extraordinary session to consider the impact of the labour action by public service employees.
The Executive Council noted with regret that this action, which could have been avoided, might cause some disruption of service delivery to the people.
The Executive Council fully supports the position adopted by the national government on the current labour action. The provincial government will monitor the situation and record those absent from work to ensure that the principle of no work no pay is enforced. The Executive Council noted with appreciation the decision by the unions to observe the provisions of the labour laws prohibiting employees involved in the provision of essential services from participating in strike actions.
Measures have been taken to ensure uninterrupted provision of essential services such as health and policing. Should it become necessary, the government will enlist the services of the South African Medical Services.
It is regrettable that once again teachers are taking part in the strike action. This happens at a time when thousands of learners are preparing themselves to for the end of year examinations.
The provincial government has urged as many schools and teachers as possible to go on with the normal teaching and learning process. The Executive Council appreciates the concerns of governing bodies and parents in this matter.
The Gauteng Provincial Government believes that the only way to resolve this emphases is for the public sector unions to return to the negotiating chamber.
Issued by Thabo Masebe on behalf of Acting Premier Paul Mashatile
Tel 082 551 4945
24 August 1999