Another union rejects proposed public sector wage offer

The National Union Of Public Service and Allied Workers (Nupsaw) said on Tuesday that it will not sign the public service salary agreement because it discriminates against members.

The employer’s signed deal on the table offers seven percent increases for junior employees for 2018/2019, backdated to 1 April, while mid-level employees will receive 6.5 percent increases and senior staff will have raises of six percent.

At least four public sector unions have so far refused to sign the three-year public sector wage agreement finalized by unions and the employer in the Public Sector Co-ordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) on Friday after eight months of talks.

On Tuesday, General Secretary of Nupsaw Success Mataitsane said that his union has “serious concerns” with the draft agreement as it had a missing claw-back clause for rising inflation and no room for any compensation should the consumer price index (CPI) rise during a specific financial period be higher than projected.

“Nupsaw rejects this agreement with the contempt it deserves. We are also rejecting the review of the comprehensive danger insurance. Our members need danger allowance as we believe that the insurance cover will invariably result in the withdrawal of danger allowance. We cannot agree to taking away of any cent from our members,” Mataitsanesaid.

– African News Agency (ANA)

For more news your way, follow The Citizen on Facebook and Twitter.