Cosatu members to picket against GEMS contribution hike
Trade union federation Cosatu’s public service unions have called for the immediate reversal of the 9.8% increase in member contributions imposed by the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS).
The hike took effect on 1 January but was later reduced to 9.5% following pushback from labour unions, although the January contributions still reflected the original 9.8%.
During a media briefing on planned action against GEMS on Monday, the President of the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (Denosa), Simon Hlungwani, emphasised the unsustainable costs facing workers.
“Medical aid costs are rising far above wages and inflation,” he said, highlighting the strain on public servants already grappling with a severe cost-of-living crisis.
The union is mobilising members for pickets across the country.
Provincial pickets will take place on Tuesday at GEMS regional offices, followed by a National Day of Action on Thursday outside the GEMS Head Office in Pretoria.
“We are demanding the immediate withdrawal of the 9.8% increase and accountability from GEMS management,” Hlungwani said.
He reinforced the union’s message: “This is about fairness, transparency, and a medical scheme that serves its founding purpose to protect workers, not burden them.”
The trade union federation will also explore legal avenues to allow public servants the freedom to join other medical schemes while retaining their full subsidy.
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