Fears of public service strike grow as wage talks deadlock
Fears of a crippling strike in the public sector are growing after unions once again rejected the government's offer of a 3% wage increase.
Trade unions Nehawu, Popcru, Denosa, Hospersa, PSA, and Sapu have all declared a dispute at public service wage talks with the government.
In August, the government raised its wage offer from 2% to 3% for public servants, but the unions have continuously rejected the offer.
The Public Service Bargaining Council confirmed the deadlock on Tuesday.
The council’s spokesperson Oomang Parag says the unions indicated on Monday that they will be invoking the dispute resolution procedure.
"Council also noted that PSA and SAPU had earlier declared a dispute and their disputes remain unresolved and certificates of non-resolution were issued. The employer notes that a majority agreement is not possible and therefore as per the provision of the constitution of the council falls away.
“Council is now awaiting the dispute referral form, from Nehawu, Popcru, Denosa, and Hospersa. We will also call on PSA to discuss picketing rules and sit down with SAPU as to discuss the arbitration process as SAPU is an essential service.
“As council, we will continue to encourage parties to resolve their differences and come to an amicable solution for the impasse," says Parag.
Meanwhile, Popcru has hinted the possibility of a strike.
"POPCRU, NEHAWU and DENOSA have declared a dispute on the current 3% offer by the employer, including the non-pensionable gratuity of R1000 which lasts until March 2023.
We have declared a dispute, and the date of conciliation hearing and issuing of a certificate to embark on industrial action will be communicated, "says Popcru in a statement.
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