Public servants strike

A last-minute effort to avert an open-ended public servants' strike failed on 17 August 2010, and the work stoppage began as scheduled on 18 August. Organizers expect more than 1 million people to participate in the work stoppage, which closed schools and limited services at hospitals and various public agencies. Minor clashes were reported during several corresponding protests, and there are also isolated reports that in some locations strike participants used intimidation against colleagues who intended to work. The workers are demanding an 8.6 percent pay raise and a 1,000-rand housing allowance, but so far the government has only offered a 7 percent wage increase and a 700-rand allowance.