Public-service trade unions were expected to announce their decision on whether to accept the government’s latest wage offer on Wednesday, two weeks into a crippling nationwide strike.
Public Service and Administration Minister Richard Baloyi reportedly told Business Day newspaper the government would have to borrow the money to pay for the increase, which would add an extra R7-billion to the R297-billion public-service wage bill.
“Obviously, we will have to borrow the money. We dragged ourselves to this point,” he was quoted as saying.
The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) said it was canvassing its 245 000 members and a decision was expected later on Wednesday.
“We should have an idea on [Wednesday] afternoon,” Nehawu spokesperson Sizwe Phamla said.
“If for example two of the nine provinces reject [the offer], and say, seven accept, that means we accept the offer.”
‘Encouraged’ by offer
The union said on Tuesday it was “encouraged” by the new offer of a 7,5% salary increase and R800 monthly housing allowance. The unions wanted an 8,6% increase and R1 000 monthly housing allowance.
The SA Democratic Teachers’ Union (Sadtu) would have a decision by 10am on Wednesday, general secretary Mugwena Maluleke said on Tuesday.
Independent Labour Caucus (ILC) chairperson Chris Klopper said they would hold a media conference on Wednesday afternoon to announce the outcome of their deliberations.
The government’s latest offer was tabled at talks with the unions, represented by the Congress of South African Trade Unions and the ILC, at the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council during talks on Monday evening, which carried on into the early hours of Tuesday.
Baloyi’s spokesperson Dumisani Nkwamba said a follow-up meeting would be held at the bargaining council on Wednesday “for consideration of the offer”.
The strike has severely affected the running of hospitals and schools, with several provinces postponing preliminary matric exams.
Many schools had been closed not only because of the absence of teachers, but because of alleged intimidation of non-striking teachers.
The SA National Defence Force has had to help out at 61 state hospitals.
According to media reports several deaths occurred due to the strike, but the national health department has refrained from commenting. – Sapa