Public Service Association rejects ‘mind-boggling’ wage deal

Political influence might have persuaded some labour unions to sign the proposed public servants wage agreement yesterday, since it was no different to the agreement rejected by them earlier this year, the Public Service Association (PSA) said.

Deputy general manager Tahir Maepa told The Citizen yesterday “there was no way” they would settle for the proposed wage agreement, with their decision halting the concluded negotiations. But other unions, such as Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru), have signed the agreement, which Maepa said was not in favour of their collective members.

“It boggles my mind. This agreement is worse than the previous one, which we rejected. It can never be from the mandate of their members.

“This is something that is happening outside the parameters of these unions. Maybe there is political interference or patronage,” Maepa said.

Healthcare union Hospersa also announced their rejection of the wage offer.

Hospersa public relations officer Kevin Halama said in a statement: “Our members have cited that the current offer is too low and does not address the economic challenges faced by public service employees.

“It is worth noting that the VAT increase was partly due to poor management and corruption at some state-owned enterprises (SOEs) where government is frequently called upon to issue bailouts amounting to billions of rand.

“It is hypocritical for government to now plead poverty when public service employees demand an improved offer, while billions of rands get wasted due to mismanagement and corruption,” said Halama.

“We urge other unions who were part of the negotiations to reject the offer and unite in ensuring that the interests of public service employees are put first by renegotiating.”

The Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council concluded the wage negotiations last Friday, while trade unions and government were expected to sign the agreement yesterday.

But minister of public service and administration Ayanda Dlodlo was a no-show as the unions withheld their signatures.

“After conclusion of salary negotiations on Friday, unions have, in principal, agreed. With that in mind, we were seeking signatures from labour unions, hoping to have had it all [on Monday]. But unfortunately, that did not happen,” DPSA deputy director-general Kenny Govender briefly said to the media.

The PSA won’t budge, Maepa said, and are prepared to request all 240 000 public servant members to down tools and strike.

“We will put pressure on other unions who don’t sign and will definitely go on strike. We are going to shut down the public service because I think it is about time that public servants are recognised,” Maepa said.

The PSA has previously accused Cosatu unions of trying to please President Cyril Ramaphosa after supporting him as ANC leader.

The three-year wage deal will see a 7% increase for junior employees for 2018-19, backdated to April 1. Mid-level staff will receive a 6.5% increase and senior staff will get an increment of 6%.

Maepa said their demand of an above inflation-related increase still stands.

“Year two and year three of this agreement says the employer can decide what they are going to give as an increment. We can’t leave that at the discretion of the employer.

“Once an agreement is signed, it must be clear how much the public servants are going to get.”

The seven trade unions were given 21 days to sign the agreement.

– Rorisang Kgosana

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