trade unions, Government, Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council, Public Service Association, PSA spokesperson Reuben Maleka, Unions, public servants

Public servants might accept Government’s 3% wage increase if their other demands are met. Image: Andrew Diesel / Flickr

3% wage increase may be accepted if demands are met – Unions

Trade unions said that the public servants they are representing are willing to accept a 3% wage increase if their demands are met.

trade unions, Government, Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council, Public Service Association, PSA spokesperson Reuben Maleka, Unions, public servants

Public servants might accept Government’s 3% wage increase if their other demands are met. Image: Andrew Diesel / Flickr

The trade unions representing public servants say there’s a possibility that Government’s 3% pay rise offer may be accepted if their members’ conditions are not met. 

The Unions said the 3% offer will be accepted if their demands are met

Talks between Government and the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council failed and unions have threatened to strike if their demands are not met. 

Now, Unions revealed that members will accept the 3% offer if the R1 000 bonus incentive provided by Government is included in their total package after 31 March 2023, reports SABC News.

The Unions had initially demanded a 10% salary increase but later reduced this to 6.5%. 

PSA says their members want a clause that protects them

Public Servants Association (PSA) spokesperson Reuben Maleka says their members have done their votes but some of the votes from some members are still missing.

The indication that we are getting is they could accept 3% plus cash gratuity. However, they want affirmation or a clause that protects that come 31st of March if there is no resolution they will continue to receive their R1 000 cash gratuity, and come 31st of March R1000 can be incorporated into the baseline. It’s either it continues the R1 000 or is incorporated into the baseline,” said Maleka.

The government on the other hand says it doesn’t have money to pay its workers. Adding that the current unbudgeted wage demand could cost over R60 billion for the 2022/23 financial year.

Popcru wants more invested in police and correctional officers

Previously, it was reported that the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) believes Government should empower police officers and prison wardens instead of including soldiers in crime prevention operations.

With the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2021 July civil unrest, Government has brought in the assistance of the national defence force. On Tuesday, 20 September, Popcru members marched to the Union Buildings.

They hoped to raise their concerns on a number of issues including that salary increases. Popcru President Zizamele Cebekhulu made calls for Government to invest more in police officers and prison wardens. Read the full story here.