An expected 140 Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) employees are to down tools this month following a break-down in salary talks, the Public Servants’ Association (PSA) said on Tuesday.
The strike is expected to disrupt valuable research projects nearing critical deadlines, but is ”unavoidable”, the union’s deputy general manager, Manie de Clercq, said in Pretoria.
”After six months of negotiations, HSRC management is only prepared to offer a 4,9% salary increase, and we are looking for anywhere between 6,2% and 7%,” he said.
De Clercq argued that public servants settled for a 6,2% increase in September with an additional 1% pay progression. HSRC staff expect at least as much.
The PSA notified the HSRC on Tuesday, in terms of the Labour Relations Act, of its intention to embark on industrial action from November 17. The duration of the strike will depend on management’s response.
De Clercq said delays in the finalisation of research projects during this time of the year will negatively affect government departments, foreign aid agencies and the private sector.
”It may result in delays of up to a year.”
He said the HSRC’s final offer is far below the average for salary increases in 2004.
”This offer is simply not reconcilable with the substantive growth of the HSRC over the past five years.”
The HSRC expressed regret at the pending action, and said its wage offer amounts to 5,4%. This reflects consumer inflation plus 1%, it said.
Performance awards paid from mid-year add a further 1,6% to the salary bill.
”The research and administrative staff of the HSRC receive highly competitive remuneration packages, including comprehensive benefits, which are adjusted each year to stay ahead of inflation,” it said in a statement.
”In addition, nearly three-quarters of staff have qualified for awards in the annual performance appraisals.”
The HSRC said it is misleading to compare HSRC annual adjustments to those in the public service. The council’s average salary is more than double than in the public service, and each HSRC employee enjoys a full housing and medical-aid allowance. — Sapa