Deputy Speaker, the PAC in principle supports the public servants' strike action. The workers have rights to a decent salary package to meet the ever-increasing, socioeconomic demands. The PAC is calling for both parties to reach a mutual solution on the salary matter as it is affecting the masses of our people on the ground.
This strike action has a direct impact on the learners who have now missed their half-yearly examinations. The strike has affected and still continues to affect health centres around the country, and may have resulted in the loss of lives of people who needed immediate medical attention. The PAC is calling for government not to take retaliatory measures against striking workers such as expulsions and other disciplinary methods.
Let the government publicly nullify the letters of expulsion and other related threats as a form of negotiating in good faith, on the one hand. The workers union, on the other hand, should bring their side to meet the government halfway.
The PAC is calling for an end to the public grandstanding and spat between the labour federations and government as it does not do our country any good. All parties should sober-mindedly go back to the negotiation chambers with one aim of reaching an amicable solution were no party will be regarded as a loser. Both parties must rise above the occasion and make it happen. I thank you.