Dorianne Arendse
The Public Servants Association is set to embark on strike action next week after wage negotiations between government and the unions deadlocked a few weeks ago. The association is asking for an 8.6 percent wage increase as well as a R1000 housing subsidy. However the employer is only offering a 6.5 percent wage increase across the board and a housing allowance of R620 a month. The Deputy General Manager for the association, Manie De Clerq said there had been no further meetings with the employer and they have now served notice to start strike action next Thursday.
"As far as the offer is concerned from the state, the offer still remains the same- a 6.5 percent wage increase and a R620 housing allowance. We have been given a mandate from our members to reject the offer and to issue a notice to strike. On Wednesday we gave notice to the Bargaining Council that we will commence with strike action on 29 July 2010. The reason for this date is that in the Public Service we are required to give 7 days notice of a strike," explained De Clerq.
De Clerq said the represent approximately 210 000 public servants from different sectors within government. "It does include almost any occupation that you have in the public sector. We must however say that the PSA is on record and we have said this many times, we have not balloted workers that have been classified as essential service like doctors and nurses. However those who have not been classified as essential services are welcome to take part in the strike.
"It is also important to note that the mere classification of essential service does not mean that the work that those who have not been classified is not important. If one takes the immigration officers at the Department of Home Affairs, their jobs has not been classified as essential but they are the ones who control the ports of entry into the country. So if they down tools nobody can leave or enter the country," he said.
When asked about media reports which had indicated that the Minister for Public Service and Administration, Richard Baloyi's office was still in negotiations with the unions, De Clerq replied that the Minister can make statements to appease union. "He can only go back to the Bargaining Council because that is where official bargaining takes place when a different or an improved offer is made. If there are however bi-lateral meetings which takes place outside of that forum we are open to taking part in them and in fact that has happened.
"Last week the meeting with the Minister was such a meeting but it was not very successful. We have done that and we are on record to say that we will take part in any discussion to prevent this strike from happening. But we can't just go back to be told by the Minister like last week that he has nothing to offer. One cannot claim that as being discussions. A discussion must take us forward in order to try and avert the strike," explained De Clerq.
According to De Clerq there has been no movement in negotiations and therefore the decision to strike was taken. "This week there has not been any meetings in the bargaining council or bi-lateral meetings that have taken place with the minister. We find it strange that this is what media reports have indicated. I am not aware of any meetings that have been schedule for Thursday or Friday," said De Clerq
No comments:
Post a Comment