Parliament has today welcomed the multi-year wage agreement signed by the state and public service unions last month.
During a presentation to the Portfolio Committee of Public Service and Administration by Minister Lindiwe Sisulu members of the portfolio committee agreed that the multi-term agreement will bring stability to the budgeting process and the public service generally.
Inkatha Freedom Party Member of Parliament (MP) Themba Msimang said the agreement will provide greater stability in the public service.
“Congratulations to the minister and her team for reaching this agreement as it is quite a relief that the agreement was reached during this time of the year just a few months away from school exams,” he said.
Last month government entered into a three year multi-term agreement with labour following fears of a potential strike action after labour had declared a dispute.
Sisulu also added that as part of the agreement new entrants in the public service will have to wait for a period of two years rather than the normal one year in order to receive a pay progression, while the implementation of the agreement from the month of May will save government R1.6 billion.
The agreement was supposed to be effective from the month of April as agreed with labour from the previous agreement.
While welcoming the report on the wage agreement, the Democratic Alliance also called on Sisulu to ensure that training of public servants was of higher standards. “Overall you seem to have made a good start and wish you well,” said MP Du Toit.
Minister Sisulu added that government was concerned about the rate of outsourcing in the public sector. “We are concerned about the increasing trend of outsourcing within the public service as we lose a lot of money, millions through outsourcing of services that can be easily done by current employees and we will look at how we can save money.
The Chairperson of the Committee Joyce Moloi-Moropa also welcomed the agreement saying it laid the foundation for a better public service and must be celebrated by all.
All parties in Parliament welcomed the agreement and invited the Minister for future meetings to deal with other issues such as the Single Public Service, Service Delivery Accord and programmes towards higher productivity in the public sector.
Enquiries:
Ndivhuwo Mabaya
Cell: 0836457838
E-mail: Ndivhuwo.mabaya@dod.mil.za
