Eight public service unions and government representatives were meeting in Pretoria on Friday to discuss a pay dispute which resulted in a national strike on Thursday, and may be extended to next week.
Union representative Fikile Hugo said the unions would urge the meeting to appoint a facilitator for continued negotiations.
”We will try to get facilitation on track. As labour, that is what we will be taking to the meeting.”
After Thursday’s strike, a government spokesperson said the employer had not changed its position, but remained committed to resolving the impasse.
Friday’s meeting was to take place under the auspices of the public service co-ordinating bargaining council.
The eight public service unions were demanding a seven percent across the board increase, instead of government’s maximum six per cent, and better medical aid and housing benefits.
They are also unhappy with government’s proposal that pay rises for the next two years should not exceed the inflation rate.
Unions have threatened to extend the strike to Monday and Tuesday next week if their concerns were not addressed. – Sapa