A file picture of PSA members protesting on Church Square in Pretoria. Picture: African News Agency (ANA)
Pretoria - Thousands of Public Servants Association (PSA) members are expected to descend on the offices of the National Treasury in the Pretoria CBD to protest against the government’s unilateral implementation of a 3% increase despite reaching a deadlock with labour unions.
The union declared a deadlock with the government last month following its failure to accede to its demand for a 6.5% increase across the board for all public servants, including essential workers.
The strike was initially set for last week, but postponed until today. The PSA vowed to bring services to a standstill in all public service institutions, including OR Tambo International Airport, other airports and border posts.
Schools, especially the writing of the matric exams, were also expected to be affected by the indefinite strike action.
Public Service and Administration Minister Thulas Nxesi appeared unfazed about the strike action yesterday, saying measures had been taken to remedy the situation amid the PSA action.
Department spokesperson Moses Mushi said they had noted social media reports that the union would be embarking on a national march.
“The department has put measures in place to mitigate the impact of such an action by the union, including picketing rules that state picketing shall only take place during lunch hour or tea breaks outside the employer’s premises.”
Mushi said all provisions related to the management of employees participating in the protected strike would apply.
Despite the ongoing dispute, the government yesterday reiterated that it would go ahead with the payment of a 3% salary increase, including non-pensionable cash allowances, next week.
Mushi said the payment date was November 17. “Having considered the risks of public servants not receiving any salary increases for this financial year if the wage negotiations are not concluded in time for the 2022 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement as outlined by the Minister of Finance, the Acting Public Service Minister indicated he would be implementing the last salary offer for the public servants that was tabled at the bargaining council.
“The minister indicated this would be in the interest of the public servants and the government’s planning cycle.”
Mushi said the minister (Nxesi) reiterated that the implementation of this offer should not be seen as undermining collective bargaining or the bargaining council process.
The department’s director-general, Yoliswa Makhasi, said the government would continue with the current non-pensionable cash allowance until March 31, 2023 to all employees on salary levels 1 to 12, including those covered by the Occupational Specific Dispensation employed in the public service, and a 3% pensionable increase to all employees on salary levels 1 to 12, backdated to April 1, 2022.
“The non-pensionable cash allowance and 3% pensionable increase for senior management with effect April 1, 2022 will be implemented as soon as the cost of living adjustment is concluded.”
Yesterday, Tshwane Metro Police’s Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba said members of the union would gather at the Old Putco depot in Marabastad.
From there they would join Struben Street, turn right into Sophie de Bruyn Street, and left into Madiba Street to reach National Treasury at 240 Madiba Street. The following intersections would be affected: Struben Street, 7th Avenue, Kgosi Mampuru Street, Johannes Ramokhoase Street, Sophie de Bruyn Street, Bosman Street, Palace Street and Paul Kruger Street.
Deployed metro police would monitor the march. Motorists were advised to avoid affected streets.
Pretoria News