THE Minister of Social Development, Susan Shabangu has asked striking Public Servants Association (PSA) members to give her time to resolve the issues between them and the South Africa Social Security Agency (SASSA).
SASSA has decided not to participate in talks because it considers the group a branch of the Public Service Co-ordinating Bargaining Council, which determines wages for all public servants.
The PSA has disputed SASSA’s claims, saying the agency has a separate bargaining council. This morning, PSA members at SASSA downed tools, after the agency allegedly refused to negotiate wage increases with the association, saying the agency falls under public service wages. PSA leadership met with minister Shabangu to shed some light on the matter.
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Speaking to the Northglen News shortly after the meeting, PSA acting assistant general manager, Tahir Maepa said: “During the meeting it became very clear that the minister was misled into thinking SASSA is part of the Public Service Co-Ordinating Bargaining Council. The advisers and managers at the agency were not honest with her.”
Maepa added that the minister then asked for time to negotiate with the relevant stakeholders, to see when wage negotiations for SASSA employees can commence.
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“The atmosphere at the meeting was very positive. We are hopeful that soon we will find a long term solution. The minister asked for time to talk to the relevant departments like Treasury. We will meet again with her on Thursday,” he added.
Maepa however reiterated that the ongoing strike was still on.
“The strike is still on. It is up to our members whether they want to suspend it or not. We are still negotiating with them,” he concluded.
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