Teacher unions on Friday rejected the government’s pay-increase offer of 6%.
National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa (Naptosa) president Dave Balt said that following a meeting with government representatives on Thursday night the union refused the offer.
”We have made our position very clear as to what our demands are, and the employer has not taken us seriously.”
Balt said no improved offer had been brought to the table.
Wage talks between government and public service unions failed on Thursday night, the end of the 30-day deadline for resolving the matter since the unions declared a dispute.
The South African Teachers’ Union (SAOU) also expressed its disappointment following the conciliation.
SAOU president Steve Roux said no progress had been made at the end of the conciliation period.
Naptosa and SAOU said a meeting would be held on Monday to decide the way forward.
Balt could not say whether members would decide to strike. ”It will only be known following the meeting.”
Balt said members did not want to be pushed into a strike as this would disrupt schooling.
The biggest teachers’ union, the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (Sadtu), said it did not welcome the increase offer and would go on strike.
Sadtu spokesperson Jon Lewis said that following Thursday’s meeting a certificate had been issued.
”That certificate means that the unions can go on a legal strike,” he said.
The union will meet next week to discuss a plan of action.
”The strike is unstoppable unless we come to an agreement with government,” said Lewis.
A date for a strike has not been set.
Earlier on Friday, Public Service and Administration Minister Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi said the government’s 6% offer would not change.
Fraser-Moleketi said there was no need for industrial action. — Sapa