FEDUSA warns government not to unilaterally implement the wage agreement

19 May 2018

The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) notes that Government, the employer in the Public Service Sector, has tabled its final offer in the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) for 2018 – 2019, which is back dated to 1 April 2018 concerning the following for public servants:

SALARY ADJUSTMENTS

1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019
Salary Level 1 to 7 = 7%
Salary Level 8 to 10 = 6.5%
Salary Level 11 to 12 = 6%

1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020
Salary Level 1 to 7 = Projected CPI plus 1%
Salary Level 8 to 10 = Projected CPI plus 0.5%
Salary Level 11 to 12 = Projected CPI

1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021
Salary Level 1 to 7 = Projected CPI plus 1%
Salary Level 8 to 10 = Projected CPI plus 0.5%
Salary Level 11 to 12 = Projected CPI

It is to note that the three-year agreement would bind public servants for the period and for this reason it is important for workers in the public sector to carefully consider the final offer of the employer. It is unreasonable for government to steamroll the agreement through the PSCBC over the weekend. FEDUSA argues that public servants should take their time to reflect on the offer and that trade unions should consult with their grassroots structures. FEDUSA therefore calls on all trade unions in the public service to place public servants at the heart of collective bargaining and not to violate their constitutional rights, said FEDUSA General Secretary Dennis George.

This is specifically important because the final offer of the employer is not in accordance with the agreed position of organised labour and therefore, it is essential that trade unions should not hastily agree to sign a long-term-agreement without consultation. It is the constitutional right of public servants to bargain freely and caution must be exercised upon considering the timing of such an offer from the employer.

FEDUSA warns government not to unilaterally implement the wage agreement but rather seek to find an inclusive approach to conclude the wage negotiations, concluded George.

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FEDUSA is the largest politically non-aligned trade union federation in South Africa and represents a diverse membership from a variety of sectors in industry.  See www.fedusa.org.za for more information.

For interviews please contact:

Dennis George

FEDUSA General Secretary

084 805 1529

 

Riefdah Ajam

FEDUSA Deputy General Secretary

079 696 2625

Issued by:

Frank Nxumalo

FEDUSA Media Officer

072 637 8096