PSA files notice to down tools in public sector

The notice by the PSA, which represents more than 235,000 public servants, follows a rejection of the government offer of a 3% wage increase.

In August, the government raised its wage offer from 2% to 3% for public servants, but this has been rejected by unions.

Workers are demanding an increase of at least 6.5%, arguing that they have not received a salary increase in more than three years.

The union's John Teffo says if no resolution is found, workers will down tools next Thursday.

"The strike could not be avoided as, despite all attempts by the PSA together with other unions to demonstrate a willingness to negotiate, the employer failed to cooperate. The PSA’s members, after considering the events, voted in favour of strike action as they realised that all other options were exhausted. 

"Their commitment to service delivery, even during the Covid-19 pandemic, was ‘rewarded’ with the tabling of a 0%- salary increase offer.

“The narrative by the government that public-sector employees earn lucrative salaries and are greedy, is misplaced as its includes state-owned entities, where salaries are above those of public service employees. Even municipal workers are on higher salary scales when compared to national and provincial government department employees. 

"Public service employees have been the scapegoats for endless corruption," says Teffo.