Cosatu in Gauteng said on Friday analysts who claimed the strike is slowing down are not basing their opinions based on facts.

The provincial branch hosted a motorcade protest on the M1 highway on Friday, as well as a gathering outside the Johannesburg Securities Exchange in Sandton.

Union leaders said their members are holding out for an 8.6 percent wage increase and a R1000 housing allowance and would not accept government’s offer of a 7.5 percent increase and an R800 housing subsidy.

The strike is now in its 16^th day but union numbers have dwindled at public protests, leading to speculation the mass action is losing momentum.

But Cosatu Gauteng chairperson Phutas Tseki said this is not the case.

“Currently the number of people that you see on the street may not reflect the vices of those members. It’s about the message that they have to give,” he said.

ILC HOPES TO GIVE GOVERNMENT AN ANSWER ON MONDAY

The Independent Labour Caucus (ILC) said on Friday unions involved in the public service strike are hoping to give government an official answer about a proposed wage hike on Monday morning.

The caucus representing 11 unions said most of its members are leaning towards rejecting government’s offer of a 7.5 percent wage increase and an R800 housing allowance.

Public servants are demanding an 8.6 percent increase and a R1000 housing allowance but government said it cannot afford this.

The strike is now in its third week but the ILC’s Chris Kloppers said the mass action is losing momentum.

(Edited by Deshnee Subramany)