Calls for unions to solve wage dispute as public servants’ strike looms
The Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council has encouraged unions
to resolve their differences and come to a solution over the dispute of a wage
increase.
This is as major unions in the country, such as NEHAWU, POPCRU, DENOSA and HOSPERSA might go on a crippling national strike as wage talks deadlock with the government.
The burning issue is over the current three percent wage offer, which includes a non-pensionable gratuity of R1 000 lasting until March 2023.
The government was given a deadline of Wednesday last week to adjust its offer, but the unions have now asked for a date on the issuing of a certificate to embark on strike action.
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The bargaining council's Oomang Parag says a special council was held with the parties to discuss the wage negotiations.
"The 21-day period for the signing of an agreement has lapsed. Further unions, Nehawu, Popcru, Denosa and Hospersa are in dispute. Certificates of non-resolution have been issued to PSA and Sapu, who earlier declared a dispute.
“The council calls for discussions, PSA on picketing rules and Sapu on the arbitration process, as Sapu is an essential service."
