The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) says although it is every worker’s right to go on strike, the no-work no-pay principle will apply to its striking employees.
The public broadcaster’s staff affiliated to the Broadcasting, Electronic, Media and Allied Workers Union (Bemawu) is scheduled to embark on a strike action on Thursday.
Both Bemawu and the Communications Workers’ Union are demanding a 10-percent salary increase but the SABC has said it cannot afford the increases due to its current financial challenges.
A mediation process is also expected between the broadcaster and the two unions. SABC Spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago has assured South Africans that all television and radio broadcasts will not be interrupted.
“Those that are not going on strike must come to work as per the condition of their employment. We are saying that are going on strike must do it in a dignified manner and not intimidate those that are coming to work. We want to reiterate the fact that the principle of no work no pay will apply. And as the SABC want to commit to the public out there that our programmes will go on air as planned both on radio and television.”
