(Photo Courtesy Kevin Roussel)

Johannesburg — THE public sector strike is expected to gain momentum today after more than 9000 Public Servants Association (PSA) members downed tools across the country yesterday.

This has sparked concern in the business sector that, if not settled soon, the strike could affect services and cripple the economy.

Neren Rau, CEO of the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, yesterday said the organisation was worried about the consequences a widespread strike would have for the economy.

"The far-reaching consequences of mass protest action by these persons - as well as the impact on the operations of government departments, ports of entry, hospitals and traffic officers - will impede the country's hesitant recovery from the recent economic downturn.

"It will also jeopardise the country's ability to generate a positive impression of SA as a desirable country with which to trade and in which to invest." Mr Rau said all the positive outcomes from SA's successful hosting of the World Cup would be placed at risk by such action.

PSA spokesman Manie de Clercq said yesterday that the union expected more workers to join the strike today. He said about 2000 PSA members marched to Parliament yesterday, while 2000 marched in Johannesburg, 3000 in Mmabatho, 1500 in Durban and about 700 in Limpopo. "We are expecting the worst scenario today because other regions are expected to join the strike."

The PSA, together with the Independent Labour Caucus and 14 unions affiliated to the Congress of South African Trade Unions, are demanding an 8,6% pay rise (backdated to April 1), a R1000 housing allowance and the equalisation of medical aid subsidies.

Mr de Clercq said the government had failed to improve from its insignificant 6,5% wage offer but had made a slight move on the housing allowance, to R750 a month from R620, which was formally presented to unions yesterday by Public Service and Administration Minister Richard Baloyi.