Pretoria — As the tenth day of the public sector strike draws to a close, the state as employer has welcomed the proposal put forward by the mediator in the wage negotiations, at the request of organised labour.

"We are currently considering the proposal and are looking forward to returning to the Public Sector Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) tomorrow, 12 June 2007, where negotiations will continue," the Department of Public Service and Administration said in a statement on Monday.

"Government remains committed to the negotiation process at the PSCBC and is hopeful that the latest development will lead to a settlement that is in the interests of public servants, the state and the people of South Africa."

Media reports quote the vice-chair of labour on the PSCBC, Shireen Pardesi, as saying the settlement range of the proposed wage package was 7.25 percent.

"We are taking proposals back to the unions to develop a response -- and convene again tomorrow [Tuesday]," said Ms Pardesi.

On Friday, public service unions reduced their demand for a 12 percent wage hike to 10 percent, while government's comprehensive offer was increased earlier last week, from 6 percent to 6.5 percent.

Meanwhile, government's security infrastructure is in place to help alleviate unfavourable conditions for citizens during the ongoing public sector strike.

Addressing reporters at the Union Buildings in Pretoria Sunday, Public Service and Administration Minister Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, explained what government security would do to help citizens during this difficult time.

"The ministers of Safety and Security and Defence have committed their resources, ensuring that all government services continue with minimal disruption and that members of the public are able to access these services," said Minister Fraser-Moleketi.

"This is because government needs to guarantee the right to strike as well as the right of citizens to access essential services, especially health services."

She expressed government's concern that the strike had seen public sector industrial action which has been unprecedented in its levels of intimidation and violence.

"While the numbers of employees participating have declined, with levels outside the education sector declining to less than 10 per cent - the disruptions at hospitals notwithstanding - we have seen increasing acts of intimidation and obstruction," she told reporters.

"Strike is not battle. It is a legitimate route for airing our differences within the framework of the law.

"Even in war those who tend the wounded are guaranteed their safety," she said, referring to disruptions in the health sector which had seen striking workers intimidating their non-striking colleagues.

Such incidents have also been observed in the education sector, resulting in some schools being closed without government's authorization, students and teachers being intimidated by striking teachers and leading to government having to postpone exams in some provinces.

At the same briefing the minister announced that following last week's warning for striking nurses to return to work or lose their jobs, government has decided to act on its ultimatum and fire those concerned, with immediate effect.

"The letters of termination of service are being issued primarily against those health workers who have failed to respond to the ultimatum from the Department of Health last weekend," said Minister Fraser-Moleketi.