South Africa public sector workers strike

Public sector workers in South Africa have begun an indefinite strike after rejecting the government's seven per cent pay increase.



Unions affiliated with Cosatu, South Africa's main union federation, have been holding out for an 8.6 per cent pay rise.



The strike was reported to have got off to a slow start, although unions say more than a million people could take part.



Many schools, hospitals and public offices are expected to be affected.



The coalition of unions that has now agreed to strike represents an estimated 1.3 million public sector workers, including government bureaucrats and judicial officials.



In addition to the 8.6 per cent pay hike, police, teachers, doctors, and nurses are demanding improved housing subsidies, and other benefits.



South Africa has seen a wave of strikes in recent years, although unions have warned that the latest one could be the largest for several years.