URGENT MEDIA RELEASE
Sexwale to meet
public sector unions after strike to discuss housing
Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale is to meet with public sector unions once the current strike is over to discuss a long-term response to workers' demands for better housing allowances.
“It is clear that we need to meet, once the dust has settled, to engage with
unions on how to address the housing needs of public sector workers,” Minister
Sexwale said tonight (24 August 2010).
“The demand for housing allowances has emerged as a key issue in the current
strike. We hear the unions’ concerns and, when the strike is over, we will be
calling a summit on public sector housing. It is quite clear that we need a
serious conversation on this matter.”
Sexwale said COSATU and other unions and federations representing public sector
workers would be invited to the summit, so that sustainable and structured
solutions could be found.
The Minister this evening conveyed his intentions to COSATU general-secretary
Zwelinzima Vavi and to Public Service Minister Richard Baloyi.
Government recently established a R1-billion Guarantee Fund specifically
designed to encourage financial institutions to increase their lending to blue
collar workers, including public sector workers such as police, nurses, teachers
and correctional services staff.
“The question of housing is obviously very close to the hearts of public sector
workers,” Sexwale said. “We need to hear from them what more should be done to
address their concerns.”
Chris Vick
Special Advisor to Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale
083 556 7644
Chris Vick
Special Advisor
Human Settlements Ministry