NTESU expresses its solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the public sector who are struggling for a just wage.  In the spirit of this solidarity we support the call for a significant increase in wages for public sector workers who are generally abysmally underpaid, especially considering the nature of their work .

We therefore call on government to demonstrate that it values and respects the contribution that workers are making to this country, and to

* meet the unions' demands with a fair and just wage settlement

* refrain from making empty threats to fire people whom they will simply have to rehire

* act swiftly to limit the damage to our society, the economy, ordinary people's lives

We call on striking unions to

* act with discipline and publicly call on their members to refrain from incendiary language, talk of bloodshed and war; intimidation of fellow workers and the public; violent acts towards people and property; violently blocking examination candidates for Higher Education professional examinations from entering examination venues in public buildings

* render basic services to people with life-threatening conditions

* be willing to reconsider their demands should govt make a significantly improved offer

We should emphasise that this conflict can only be resolved through good faith negotiations and the political will to come to early settlement.

 FORWARD TO WORKER STRUGGLE FOR LIVING WAGES

 unity in tertiary education