Position statements

Press release - Public Sector Strike

The SASOP Board of Directors took note of SAMA's comment on the Public Sector Strike. The Board of Directors of SASOP, as an affiliate of SAMA supports the specific demand for a 8.6% salary increase by public servants. It further appeals to the employer to make right promises the Government made to workers in 2007 regarding OSD benefits without delay. The Board of simultaneously recognizes that SASOP members, by virtue of being part of Essential Service Health Care Prividers, are not allowed to strike. Members are not currently denied the right, when not on duty, to participate in peaceful protest action. The Board of Directors of SASOP condems in the strongest possible terms the alleged actions of violence and intimidation directed at fellow non-striking public service workers, children and other members of the public either directly or by denying patients, and in particular mental healthcare users, access to healthcare. Particularly reprehensible was the barricading and disrupting of the Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital, where hapless patients were denied access to appropriate care. The Board of Directors recognizes that whilst non - essential service public servants have the right to withold their labor, no person have the freedom to deny other citizens their rights, including the right to education or healthcare nor to intimidate anyone by emotional or physical coercion. Th strike has allegedly been marred by actions of violent intimidation and threats thereof and SASOP, in accord with SAMA, does not condone such action. Issued on behalf of the Board of Directors of SASOP by
Dr GP Grobler
Honorary Secretary and Webmaster
gpgrobler@sasop.co.za