SOUTH AFRICA
The South African Department of Public Service and Administration has launched a last-ditch effort to save public sector wage talks, with labour federation Cosatu warning that it will not hesitate to go on strike.
Cosatu has demanded a salary increase for Government employees linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) — which is projected to be 5.5 per cent — plus 3 per cent as a result of this month’s Value Added Tax (VAT) increase.
The Department is sticking to CPI plus 1 per cent, although it caused worker outrage by trying unsuccessfully to water down that offer after it had been put on the table.
Chief Wage Negotiator for Cosatu, Mike Shingange said workers were ready to strike “at the right time and with the correct legal basis”.
The Government has rejected union allegations it is dragging its feet in negotiations.
Minister for Public Service and Administration, Ayanda Dlodlo (pictured) said the Government had no intention of delaying the public sector wage negotiations process.
“On behalf of Government and the Committee of Ministers, I would like to restate our commitment to this process and assure all stakeholders that we will not rest until a best possible outcome is found between the negotiating parties,” Ms Dlodlo said.
The Minister said the current round of negotiations on both the cost of living allowance and the improvement of other conditions of service for PS employees was being undertaken under very difficult economic conditions.
Ms Dlodlo said this placed an additional responsibility on both parties — the state as an employer and the public sector unions — to ensure the outcome of the negotiations contributed to improving the conditions of service of PS staff as well as ensuring the sustainability of the Government’s wage bill.
Pretoria, 12 April 2018
