PSA deadlocks over salaries
MEMBERS of the Public Servants Association (PSA) marched to the Office of the Premier in Kimberley on Thursday after salary negotiations deadlocked over a three percent increase offer that was unilaterally implemented without the approval of the majority unions.
The union stated that it demanded a revised offer of a 10 percent increase and the continuation of the cash gratuity beyond March 2023.
“Public servants, like other employees and taxpayers, are feeling the severe effects of major price increases in fuel, transport and food as well as interest rate hikes. The cash gratuity, which is not pensionable and thus not an ultimate solution, assisted public servants and, if retained beyond March 2023, will further assist public servants who have not received a salary increase for the past three years.”
Members were advised to return to work on Friday.
The MEC for Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Bentley Vass, accepted the memorandum on behalf of the premier.
Vass acknowledged the grievances raised, including the high cost of living, inflation and rising fuel and food prices.
“However, this is a national strike and we will need time to follow the proper channels to escalate the demands to the Office of the President,” he said.
Meanwhile, members of Nehawu, Hospersa, Denosa and the PSA at Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital in Kimberley staged a lunchtime picket outside the gates as essential services workers are unable to join the march.
Health and Other Services Personnel Trade Union (Hospersa) provincial secretary Deon Olivier stated that the unilateral decision by government would have a serious impact on how negotiations were conducted in the public sector.
“We are preparing for a total shutdown of government services with all unions on November 22,” Olivier said.
