SOUTH AFRICA: 'Project Escalate'

On July 27, the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) launched 'Project Escalate', a campaign for a living wage for its members. The strike, marches and pickets were well-supported in the main cities, with more than 4000 marching in Cape Town, 6000 in Pretoria and 10,000 in Johannesburg. The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has attempted to undermine the campaign through the unilateral implementation of a wage increase considered inadequate by SAMWU. Unionists called on municipal mayors to send letters to SALGA requesting that it increase its wage offer and conclude an agreement with the union.

From Green Left Weekly, August 3, 2005.

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From GLW issue 636