Government acknowledges receipt of the Memorandum handed to the National Treasury and the Department of Public Service and Administration.
Government, as the Employer, remains committed to finding an amicable solution through the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) and calls on all COSATU public service unions to recommit themselves to the conciliation process.
We have noted the demands as outlined in the Memorandum and as submitted at the PSCBC. However, we call on all parties to remain calm as we seek a solution to the benefit of both public servants and the people of South Africa.
Government also wishes to reiterate our position that our negotiators have not been negotiating in bad faith. Unless and until the conciliation process has been exhausted, no party may exercise the right to strike and or lockout workers as provided for in the law. Accordingly, any industrial action, including today’s march while the conciliation process is continuing is unlawful and unprotected.
As government we have made significant commitments to improve the salaries of workers. This ranges from an all-inclusive package increase of 15,1% (inclusive of Medical Aid, housing allowance and cost of living adjustment) for workers on salary levels 1, to an all-inclusive 9,5% for workers on salary level 10. Public servants on salary levels 11 and 12 can expect an all-inclusive increase of 7,4% should the unions accept our current offer.
Government as the Employer remains optimistic that the conciliation process will produce a mutually-beneficial outcome and that the current negotiations can be successfully concluded.
We appreciate the patience demonstrated by all public service employees during this period.
For further information contact:
Ministerial Spokesperson: Brent Simons
Cell: 076 315 7330
