After months of talks a majority of civil servant labour unions only accepted the offer.
The agreement has been signed by the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (Sadtu), the National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa (Naptosa), the Health and Other Services Personnel Trade Union of South Africa (Hospersa), the Public Servants’ Association of South Africa (PSA) and the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (Denosa).
Government, through the Department of Public Service and Administration, tabled an offer of a 1.5% pensionable salary increase with a lump sum gratuity payable monthly, ranging from R1 200 to R1 600 on a sliding scale from 1 April to 31 March next year.
In accepting the deal, Public Service and Administration Minister Senzo Mchunu says:” Your sacrifices during these negotiations did not go unnoticed, late hours, minimal sleep and increased workloads are but some of the things you have had to endure,” Mchunu said in a statement.
“Thank you for your leadership, thank you for negotiating with the interests of public servants and the citizens at heart. As we prepare to engage on the way forward, let us meet as patriotic citizens and not as adversaries.”
By virtue of the offer accepted by a majority of unions, it means the order will be adopted. If it had fallen away arbitration would have to commence, thus stalling the talks once again.
At the time of publishing it was unclear if the minority (NEHAWU), Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union and the South African Policing Union were prepared to engage on new talks with Government.
Image (Minister of Public Service and Administration, Senzo Mchunu).
