Govt increases offer to public servants

13 Aug 2010 08:01 - Staff Reporter

The government on Thursday night increased its housing allowance offer to public servants, but would not budge on its 7% salary offer.

The government on Thursday night increased its housing allowance offer to public servants to R700 a month, but would not budge on its 7% salary offer, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) reported.

Negotiations continued in the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council in Centurion on Thursday evening in an attempt to avert a full-blown strike.

Earlier, leaders of Cosatu-affiliated unions and the Public Servants’ Association said their position would remain unchanged unless the government tabled a “substantially” improved offer.

Members of Cosatu-affiliated unions and the Independent Labour Caucus went on strike this week to demand better wages.

Last week, they rejected a revised government offer of a 7% increase and a R630 housing allowance, and a 1,5% fixed pay progression.

Workers are demanding an 8,6 % wage increase and a R1 000 housing allowance, backdated to April 1.—Sapa

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