1 June 2007
I would like to express my gratitude to all those who have minimised the
inconvenience to the citizens of South Africa by coming to work today, the
essential workers, the managers and those who have chosen not to strike and
gone the extra mile to ensure minimal disruption. Let me also thank those who
in exercising their constitutionally protected right to take industrial action,
have done so peacefully and responsibly, which I must emphasise is the great
majority of those who chose to stay away from work. I must also thank the
members of the public who have been patient and have put up with the
inconvenience stoically. Across the country government has continued to
function. National departments as well as provincial departments have in the
main functioned normally or close to normally.
I must give particular credit to the South African Police Service (SAPS) who
have acted responsibly and have assisted where necessary to defuse pockets of
volatility. I must also commend the Correctional Services officers and their
union Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) which has desisted in
joining the action. I must also acknowledge PSA (Public Service Association)and
Health and Other Services Personnel Trade Union of South Africa (Hospersa) who
gave us a written undertaking that their members who are essential service
workers would not be taking part in industrial action. Services in Home Affairs
have functioned at close to normal level, with one or two minor disruptions
which were quickly resolved.
The exception has been in the health and education sectors. In hospitals
where there has been disruption, particularly in Western Cape, Gauteng and
KwaZulu-Natal, clinical services have continued. The main disruption was by
support staff, such as cleaning, catering and clerical services. We are
disappointed that in some instances there was intimidation and obstruction and
we must thank the managers, the SAPS and union leadership for assisting in
defusing these situations.
There are also reports of shop stewards intimidating essential service
workers, in defiance of the Labour Relations Act (LRA) and the interdict served
upon the unions prohibiting such action. I am happy to confirm however that by
and large services continued to be delivered. In education there was a large
stay away and I am disappointed that a number of principals closed their
schools, with disregard to the clear policy in place which does not allow for
this. I must repeat that it is not allowed for principals or governing bodies
to close schools. Arrangements must be made for pupils to be provided with a
safe environment. The Department of Education will take disciplinary measures
in this regard.
It is particularly disappointing that educators have come out in such
numbers as the proposal that we have put on the table will increase
dramatically the compensation of educators, with our occupation specific
dispensation for educators and other professionals. If accepted, educators will
from next year, receive major increases in line with their qualifications,
competencies and length of service. We want educators to earn market-related
salaries and to come into and stay in teaching. We are committed to their
having meaningful career-pathing and advancement so they do not leave the
classroom to become managers. Likewise with other professionals and specialists
in the public service and this is a very central part of what we have put in
our offer.
Once again, I must emphasise that our constitution provides us with rights,
the right of association and the right to strike are fundamental principles to
which we adhere. But I must repeat that we will not tolerate intimidation of
those who choose not to strike, nor will we tolerate any disruption of
essential services or abuse of members of the public. We must also remind
employees of the interdict of the labour court that prohibits the Congress of
South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) aligned unions form encouraging essential
service workers two take part in industrial action and members of these unions
from taking part in these actions, confirming the prescripts of the LRA.
Once again I must thank all those who have served to minimise the impact of
the industrial action on the people we serve, the members of public.
Government's offer is not simply about percentages and an annual increase. What
we are proposing will radically alter the nature of the public service. We need
professionals to be recognised for their worth. We need the public service to
be an employer of choice with appropriate career development. We cannot
sacrifice the long term well being of our employees for short-term gain. We
must ensure that we are able to attract the best and the brightest of our
graduates and ensure that talent, dedication and good performance are
rewarded.
Negotiations are continuing. We are listening to what the people are saying
about their conditions of service and working with the unions we are confident
that we will soon be able to reach an agreement. I urge workers to return to
work so that they will lose no more pay and allow us to continue with
negotiations which I am hopeful we will conclude in the coming few days.
Fro enquiries contact:
Lewis Rabkin
Cell: 082 497 3220
Issued by: Department of Public Service and Administration
1 June 2007
