20100906
reuters

PRETORIA (Reuters) - South African public sector workers suspended a disruptive pay strike on Monday as it entered its fourth week, union officials said.

The strike by 1.3 million workers hit schools, state hospitals and the judiciary. Strikers have demanded a pay rise of 8.6 percent, twice the inflation rate, and a 1,000 rand a month housing allowance.

President Jacob Zuma's government has raised its offer to 7.5 percent and 800 rand for housing but workers rejected it and unions asked for more time to explain it to their members.

"Labour has decided to suspend the strike and this does not mean we have accepted the state offer," a joint statement issued on behalf of 19 unions representing state workers said.

The unions said they had 21 days to finalise discussions with their members on a draft agreement. The unions said they already had secured substantial concessions from the government.

The South African government said it remained optimistic that a resolution would be reached.

"Consultations with labour will continue as government and South Africans at large want to see this impasse resolved as quickly as possible," Public Service and Administration Minister Richard Baloyi said in a statement.

The ruling African National Congress welcomed the suspension.