Trade Unions (Cosatu)
25 May 2007
I wish to express my gratitude to all the public servants who ensured that
services to the public remained intact today, 25 May 2007. It proves that the
Batho Pele principles are thoroughly entrenched in the public service and that
the delivery of services to the public remains the paramount priority to the
majority of public servants.
The outcome of the marches by the Congress of South African Trade Unions
(Cosatu) affiliated unions strengthens the employer's call to the trade unions
to return to the bargaining council on Monday, 28 May 2007 and Tuesday, 29 May
2007. The employer is therefore heartened by the trade unions' acceptance of
the invitation to resume constructive engagement on these dates.
Government remains committed to the improvement of the salaries and
conditions of service of public servants. Special focus will also be given to
measures to attract and retain employees in certain occupations such as
teachers, nurses, policemen and warders over the short term. We firmly believe
that a resolution can only be reached through the collective bargaining process
and that there is sufficient willingness on both sides to find a negotiated
settlement to the dispute.
To show its commitment in finding a solution to the current impasse, the
employer, on Thursday, 24 May 2007, lodged a request to the Public Service
Co-ordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) to have the dispute in essential
services arbitrated by the council. We nevertheless, trust that even this route
would not have to be embarked upon because parties are able to resolve the
matter through a refocused collective bargaining process.
The marches had no significant impact on service delivery throughout the
public service. Government departments and institutions, with the exception of
some education facilities, continued to deliver uninterrupted services to the
public.
Issued by: Ministry of Public Service and Administration
25 May 2007
