Six public sector unions affiliated to the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) have threatened to embark on strike action if government does not move from its 5,5% wage increase offer.
National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) spokesperson Moloantoa Molaba said that the conciliator had suggested that concerned parties meet again on August 2, but the unions were not yet sure if government would agree to the meeting.
“Unfortunately our next meeting is not yet confirmed because government has said it has exhausted options. But we are going to ask for a deadlock certificate and after that go on strike if an agreement is not reached soon,” Molaba said.
The conciliation and public service negotiations initiated by the Department of Public Service and Administration collapsed on Thursday. The conciliation started on 20 July.
The unions were initially demanding a 10% wage increase but reduced it to 8,5% as a sign of willingness to compromise.
“This we did even before we sought a new mandate from our members. But we did it because we wanted to move forward and to avoid conflict,” Molaba stated.
The unions are also demanding equity on medical aid and housing benefits.
“At this stage just over one third of lower category staff do not enjoy medical aid and housing benefits because they cannot afford these benefits.”
The unions’ demands include a review of the current grading system because, if implemented, it would mean public servants would not have fair and efficient career advancement in the public service.
The unions argue that in the last three days of negotiations, the government had not moved in any significant way on any of the demands of the Cosatu unions.
“This effectively means we have reached deadlock and the collapse of conciliation. Where the employer has introduced new movement, it is by reducing existing benefits in order to top up or meet our new demands. The employer seeks to steal from Sam in order to pay Jane, instead of committing new resources to meet current demands.”
Cosatu said it completely rejected any downward variation. Cosatu noted that it was hopeful that it would be possible for the employer and unions to agree and settle without conflict.
“The last three days prove that, in fact, our hopes were misplaced. The employer seems bent on conflict and a possible return to unilateralism. Cosatu will not accept any attempt to implement without a signed agreement. Any insinuation or attempt to do that will be resisted with everything in our power.”
Cosatu added that it was determined to defend the right to collective bargaining contained both in the Constitution and labour laws.
“If the Minister takes this route, we regret to announce that there is a very high price to pay. Unilateralism completely erodes union recognition and rights to bargain. We are confident even the African National Congress will intervene in our favour on this.” – I-Net Bridge