/ 13 October 2010

Public-sector unions to meet over govt wage offer

Public Sector Unions To Meet Over Govt Wage Offer

Public-sector unions are to meet on Wednesday afternoon for a final decision on whether the majority of unions will accept the government’s pay offer.

“The meeting is to check whether there would be a majority of unions that would sign the government’s offer,” said Independent Labour Caucus (ILC) spokesperson Chris Klopper.

He said the ILC was set to meet at 4pm with Congress of South African Trade Unions-affiliated unions to discuss the final decision.

Public servants embarked on a chaotic strike recently, demanding an 8,6% salary increase and R1 000 a month housing subsidy.

The government’s final offer was a 7,5% increase and R800 housing allowance.

The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union had already rejected the government’s wage offer.

Public Service and Administration Minister Richard Baloyi said on Tuesday he hoped most of the unions would sign the offer.

“We are hopeful that the majority, if not all of the unions, will sign their offer … I am sure they are getting their pens ready,” said Baloyi. — Sapa