KZN Premier open to discussions on suspension of bonuses
The Office of the Premier says it has noted concerns by Cosatu and its affiliates on a decision to suspend government employees' performance bonuses.
"The Premier of the province, Senzo Mchunu, is very committed to ensuring that there are ongoing negotiations with organised labour. He is of the view that the workers are doing a lot to ensure that there is service delivery," he said.
"So he is willing to have ongoing discussions with organised labour so that there are long lasting solutions to the matter," Sibiya said.
During a press briefing in Durban yesterday, teacher union, Naptosa, said it did not believe the Office of the Premier tried hard enough to to find other areas where costs could be cut, before turning to the bonuses of public servants.
Naptosa's Anthony Pierce says the Premier's Office chose a soft target when deciding to freeze bonuses.
"There are various other areas where the state can begin to cut down costs. We do not deny the fact that we are in an economic crisis and therefore there needs to be austerity measures, but those measures must be found elsewhere as opposed to the hard earned salaries of employees of the state," he said.
Speaking at the same press conference, Cosatu said it would fight the decision, saying it was not consulted.
(Photo: Steve Bhengu)