10 June 2007
Ms G J Fraser-Moleketi
Minister for the Public Service and Administration
The past nine days have seen public sector industrial action which has been
unprecedented in its levels of intimidation and violence.
While the numbers of employees participating have declined, with levels
outside the education sector declining to less than 10 percent â the
disruptions at hospitals notwithstanding - we have seen increasing acts of
intimidation and obstruction.
We have seen educators failing in their duty to act as examples to those who
are entrusted into their care.
We have experienced essential service workers putting their agendas above
the right to life of those whom they have committed to serve.
We reiterate that the right to strike can never supersede the right to
life.
Public servants are custodians of the law. If public servants do not respect
the law and due process, the fabric of our society will fall into shreds.
This is why we remain steadfast in our resolve to proceed against those
public servants who have ignored the law and regulatory prescripts. We refer
here to essential services workers who took part in the industrial action,
principals who closed schools without the authority to do so, and those
strikers who engaged in acts of intimidation against other workers, those in
their charge and members of the public.
Yesterday a meeting of the Minister of Health, the Minister of Public
Service and Administration and the MECs for Health agreed that all provincial
health departments should issue letters of termination of service with
immediate effect. The letters of termination of service are being issued
primarily against those health workers who have failed to respond to the
ultimatum from the Department of Health last weekend. Severe action will also
be taken against those who are involved in intimidation activities.
These nurses are being sacked in the interests of the patients and the
country. We cannot have casualties or deaths in our hospitals because of the
selfish interests of those who are charged with the lives of others. Protecting
the lives of those who require care must be our first priority. Strike is not
battle. It is a legitimate route for airing our differences within the
framework of the law. Even in war those who tend the wounded are guaranteed
their safety.
The ministers of Safety and Security and Defence have committed their
resources, ensuring that all government services continue with minimal
disruption and that members of the public are able to access these
services.
This is because government needs to guarantee the right to strike as well as
the right of citizens to access essential services, especially health
services.
The right to work during a strike must be respected and is no less a right
than the right to strike.
The security forces have the duty to protect both the rights of individuals
and the rights of the community, including access to education and healthcare.
They are not there as strikebreakers.
We thank the members of the services. We must also commend the managers
across the public service who have come to the fore to ensure that services
continue as well as the hundreds of thousands of public servants who reported
for duty during the strike.
We also express our utmost appreciation to the volunteers who have heeded
the call to assist.
Government has put a substantial offer on the table. The current offer was
developed out of the joint technical document developed by the nine a side team
from labour and the employer.
This offer represents a 47% total cost to the employer increase from our
original offer.
Much has been made of the quantum of the percentage increase on the table.
Our offer is substantially more that the 6,5% general cost of living plus
increase. It consists of
* A general salary increase of 6,5% for the 2007/08 financial year, which
takes into account average projected CPIX for 2007/08 plus a real salary
increase
* A general salary increase of projected CPIX plus 0,5% for the 2008/09
financial year
* The implementation of revised salary structures (occupation specific
dispensation) for the following professions in this financial year:
o All categories of nurses with effect from 1 July 2007
o Legally qualified professionals in Justice with effect from 1 July 2007
and
o School based educators and school principals with effect from 1 January 2008
and 01 July 2007 respectively.
* Fast-tracking the implementation of the housing allowance to 1 July 2007,
increase the housing allowance from R242 to R456 per month
* A 25% adjustment to night shift, special and danger allowances
* The full implementation of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, where
government will pay 2x salary for work performed on Public Holiday and 1 and a
half x salary for work performed on Sunday as part of normal duty and
* A medical subsidy increase from R1 900 to R2 020 for Government Employees
Medical Scheme (GEMS) members.
Government is also committed to introducing a system that recognises skills,
competencies, scope of work, and performance. It will take into account market
factors and provide career progression within chosen fields of speciality.
Professionals will get substantial increases over and above the general
increases, when they move into the new salary structures. This system will
attract talent to and retain talent in the public service, allowing specialists
to progress in their chosen field without having to leave the public service or
move into management. We see this as a major development in shaping the future
of our public service.
Negotiations are currently continuing, and we will, should the industrial
action continue, ensure that the public is protected and that services continue
to be delivered. We will not condone violence and intimidation and the South
African Police Service and South African National Defence Force will continue
to be deployed in areas where they are needed.
The ministers of Public Service, Safety and Security and Defence, will
ensure that members of the public are safe when accessing government services,
and we will ensure that public servants are able to deliver essential services
as required by law are able to do so without fear of intimidation and that
those who choose not to engage in industrial action are able to do so in a safe
environment.
As negotiations continue I appeal to all public servants to report for work.
The parties are engaging in the bargaining chamber and we are confident that a
resolution will soon be reached. We have undertaken to serve the people of
South Africa. Letâs fulfil that commitment.
For further information please contact:
Nelson Kgwete
Cell: 082 8062292
Issued by: Ministry of Public Service and Administration
10 June 2007
