Public service unions threaten full-blown strike
LABOUR federations have given the government an ultimatum to implement a 10 percent salary increase for public servants, failing which they have threatened to embark on a full-blown strike from December 2.
Government employees picketed outside the offices of Provincial in Kimberley on Tuesday as part of the public sector’s National Day of Action, in objection to the three percent increase that was implemented without the blessing of the majority of trade unions.
Public service unions threatened to shut down clinics and hospitals if they were not granted a “real increment” of 10 percent.
Cosatu general secretary Solly Phetoe indicated that this was the first time that different trade federations were standing in solidarity to “bring the employer to its knees”.
“We are sick and tired of being treated badly by the ANC - enough is enough. Government must decide if they are a friend or enemy of the workers. Workers are angry and frustrated,” said Phetoe.
He also called on anyone who was implicated in the Zondo Commission or was implicated in corruption to step aside.
“Government must practise what it preaches.”
Cosatu provincial secretary Orapeleng Moraladi stated that labour would be withdrawn from state offices on December 2 until government revised its offer to a satisfactory amount.
He added that R160 billion was cut from the public service wage bill for 2020/21 to 2022/23, while an additional R143.2 billion cut would be extended to 2023/24.
“Increasing austerity is punishing public servants, where cuts in public spending are leading to a massive reduction in wages, retirement benefits, pension, health and education and social welfare transfers.”
Moraladi also urged that all reservists, community health workers, community service workers and teacher assistants be permanently employed.
“We demand the insourcing of all outsourced services, which in the main are owned by politicians. We demand the immediate declaration and enforcement of a moratorium on retrenchments and job losses.”
The acting Northern Cape Premier, Fufe Makatong, who accepted the memorandum from labour, said that the provincial government would refer the matter to the relevant authorities.
“The Department of Public Service and Administration is in charge of the process. We understand the challenges and commit to carrying the message across,” said Makatong.