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Govt reaches agreement with public sector unions

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Government has reached a deal with a majority of trade unions representing public servants to end the ‘marathon’ wage negotiations deadlock.

On Monday, a collective agreement of 1.5% pay progression, salary increase of between R1200 and R1695 to public servants between levels 1 and 12. The salary increase will be R1000 after tax deduction. Public Service and Administration Minister, Mr Senzo Mchunu welcomed the conclusion of the wage negotiations.

“Your sacrifices during these negotiations did not go unnoticed: late hours, minimal sleep and increased workloads are but some of the things you have had to endure. Thank you for your leadership, thank you for negotiating with the interests of public servants and the citizens at heart! “As we prepare ourselves to engage on the way forward, let us meet as patriotic citizens and not as adversaries.”

The trade unions that signed are the South African Democratic Teacher’s Union (SADTU), the National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA), the Health & Other Services Personnel Trade Union of South Africa (HOSPERSA), the Public Servants Association of South Africa (PSA) and the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA).

Initially, during the wage negotiations, trade unions were demanding an increase of inflation plus 4%, while government was offering a 0% increase on the cost-of-living adjustment, citing budgetary constraints.

Having occurred in the context of a global recession, the country’s dire fiscal constraints as well as Covid-19, Minister Mchunu has on numerous occasions, indicated that these were the most difficult negotiations between government and trade unions.