Where Civil Servants Go On Strike for Higher Pay

Here in the United States, when civil servants aren't happy with the pay increases they are slated to receive, they complain to members of Congress and the president (who ultimately control the purse strings), issue press releases via the labor unions that represent them and, well, comment on blogs like this one.

In South Africa, it's a little different: They go on strike -- as a group, including teachers and hospital workers (but not members of the military or the police force, at least not yet). And it seems to be working. The Associated Press reported Tuesday:

In a statement following late-night meetings held at President Jacob Zuma's insistence, the public service ministry said it was increasing its salary raise offer from 7 to 7.5 percent and housing allowance from 700 rand ($96) to 800 rand ($110). The workers want an 8.6 percent raise and 1,000 rand ($137) for housing.