G Fraser-Moleketi on strike action and wage negotiations

18 June 2007
 
The parties in the current Public Service wage negotiations will, as part of
the mediation process, meet at the Public Service Co-ordinating Bargaining
Council in Centurion tomorrow, 19 June 2007.
 
In an attempt to take forward the mediation process, the employer submitted a
proposal and anticipates that Labour will respond to the proposal at the
meeting tomorrow.
 
This proposal includes:
* a general salary increase of 7.25% for the 2007/08 financial year
* a general salary increase of projected CPIX plus 1% for the 2008/09 financial
year
* the implementation of revised salary structures (occupation specific
dispensation) for certain identified categories of employees as detailed
below
* 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
* increase in the medial aid subsidy for employees on GEMS from a current
maximum of  R1,900 to a new maximum of  R2020
 
The Occupation Specific Dispensation will significantly enhance the
remuneration and career prospects of educators, health professionals, legal
professionals and the other categories mentioned below. We will be able to
recognise good performance, qualifications and length of service in a way that
rewards the worth of these professionals appropriately.
 
We anticipate that with the special packages which we are proposing - the
Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD) - teachers, subject to negotiation in
the sector bargaining council, who are currently at starting level, with a four
year qualification, will see their basic salary going from the current salary
of R99 540 to R114 423, when the OSD comes into effect on 1 January next year.
This excludes the considerable benefits to which public servants are entitled –
pension, medical aid and housing.
 
In the meantime, if the 7.25% increase is accepted, they will in the interim
move to R106 757 for the current half year. The increase to R114 423 represents
a percentage increase - on salary alone - of 14.95%.
 
A teacher with 10 years service is anticipated to move from a current basic
salary, with the OSD from R109 962 to R126 067 (benefits excluded).
 
A principal on level 10 with five years experience is anticipated with the OSD
to go from R191 742 to R219 904 (benefits excluded).
 
Nurses, with the OSD, are anticipated to get salary increases starting 1 July
2007. A professional nurse with a four-year qualification, four years
experience on the 5th notch of level six (as an example) is anticipated to go
from a basic salary of R78 477 to R125 942. The total package (which includes
service bonus, pay progression, pension, housing allowance and subsidy for
Government Employees Medical Aid) will go from the current R121 708 to R183 781
- a 51% increase on total package.
 
The anticipated rollout across the public sector is anticipated as
follows:
 
* all categories of nurses with effect from 1 July 2007;
* legally qualified professionals in Justice with effect from 1 July 2007;
and
* school based educators (teachers and principals) with effect from 1 January
2008
* office based educators and educator specialists with effect from 1 April
2008
* medical doctors, dentists and dental specialists, pharmacists and emergency
medical services from 1 July 2008
* correctional officials from 1 July 2008
* medical support services from 1 July 2009
* engineers, architects, environmentalists and other identified professionals
jointly agreed to in the relevant sector with effect form 1 July 2009
 
These proposed salary scales indicate government's commitment to attracting and
retaining skills in the identified occupations. We are committed to ensuring
that those who have a vocation to serve in these fields are properly rewarded.
The Public Service must become the employer of choice for the finest talents
that this country produces.
 
Government believes that it has put a comprehensive offer on the table that
addresses the needs of the public service, the people of South Africa whom we
are committed to serve and the future needs of our country.
 
We believe that the resolution of this matter as soon as possible will be in
the interests of all public servants, and the interests of the people of South
Africa, whom we have undertaken to serve.
 
Issued by: Ministry for Public Service and Administration
18 June 2007