Union branch to withdraw from S.Africa strike

CAPE TOWN, June 26 (Reuters) The Western Cape wing of the powerful Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) said today it was suspending participation in a crippling public service strike, another sign of a crack in the mass action.

Provincial secretary Tony Ehrenreich said in a statement that COSATU and independent unions in the region would announce their withdrawal from the strike today.

Splits emerged in the three-week strike yesterday after two unions representing some 160,000 members withdrew from one of the largest mass actions in post apartheid South Africa.

Labour has accused President Thabo Mbeki of promoting big business over the poor and the strike has focused attention on his economic policies.

Divisions between unions, which are due to resume talks with the government on ending the strike on Wednesday, may ease pressure on Mbeki one day before his ruling African National Congress (ANC) holds a crucial policy conference.

REUTERS SLD KP1356