Last night parties to the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) signed the following agreements following negotiations that commenced in November 2014:
- Cost of living adjustment (salary increase);
- Agreement on the review of post retirement;
- Framework Agreement for the establishment of the Government Employees Housing Scheme;
- Review of Danger Allowance;
- Review on the Government Employees Medical Scheme; and
- Agreement on the new danger dispensation.
Of the eight unions, five signed thus giving substantive majority. I am optimistic that the parties that have not yet signed will finalise their mandating processes and join the rest of the unions in the public service who through their actions have helped change the course of history in the field of collective bargaining in our country.
This is yet another three year agreement which makes it the third since 2007. This will ensure peace and stability in the public service. It is important to note that since the inception of the PSCBC there has never been a time where parties have signed six collective agreements at the same time.
I have now instructed my department on behalf of the state to ensure that these collective agreements are implemented fully.
I sincerely hope that other sectors of the economy will emulate this good example. I wish to congratulate the negotiation teams of both government and labour for displaying a level of commitment to the process and a level of maturity.
I am particularly grateful to the leadership of the two parties especially my colleagues in the Cabinet Committee (Mandate Committee) and the trade unions. Your leadership has proven that working together we can achieve more.
With the negotiations finalised, I sincerely hope that the parties will now refocus their attention to the delivery of services.
Enquiries:
Dumisani Nkwamba
Cell: 082 885 9448
E-mail: dumisanin@dpsa.gov.za
