Popcru: Public servants ‘more determined than ever’ amid wage hike impasse
The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) is adamant that the next round of wage negotiations cannot start until the current impasse between government and public servants is resolved.
Public service unions are demanding a wage increase of 10%.
The unions have been angered by government’s unilateral implementation of a 3% wage hike, leading to thousands of workers downing tools on Monday.
The strike has led to severe disruptions to government services, especially in the health sector.
Popcru spokesperson Richard Mamabolo says workers are more determined than ever to fight until their demands are met.
“We remain resolute and reiterate our position that there shall be no 2023/24 wage negotiation until this current dispute is resolved, and urge workers to gather strength during these intimidations, and to be more resolute and determined in their fight to achieve the demands they set, and support the unity demonstrated by the multiple public sector unions as they pursue the agenda of improving their wages and conditions of employment, and in defence of collective bargaining.”
Mamabolo says they have not given up on their demand for a 10% increase in wages.
“We have noted recent developments regarding the outstanding impasse in relation to public servants' demands around the government's unilateral implementation of a 3% against the inflation rate of 6,7%, leading to further hostilities that have resulted in the latter intimidating workers through court interdicts, with the sole aim of defocusing and dividing workers.
“Government has been determined to arrest the growth of the wage bill, which has outpaced CPI since 2008. Slowing down the wage bill is a key part of the strategy of National Treasury to borrow less and bring debt service costs under control.”
