Violence erupts during South Africa strike

[August 19, 2010]  JOHANNESBURG (AP) -- Police have fired rubber bullets on teachers taking part in a nationwide civil servants' strike in South Africa.

The violence came Thursday morning, the second day of the strike for higher wages. Teachers in the red T-shirts of their union scattered as police fired to stop them from blocking a stretch of highway during a protest in Johannesburg.

Teachers threw bricks and stones at police. At least one office was seen taking from the scene bleeding from the head.

Unions are demanding an 8.6 percent wage increase and a 1,000 rand ($137) housing allowance. The government is offering 7 percent plus 700 rand ($96) for housing. Public service minister Richard Baloyi says he can't afford more.

[Associated Press]

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