• Thabile Mange writes:
There is an ongoing debate about government spending a lot of money on wages. But no one is talking about nepotism, where unqualified comrades, family members and friends are employed (sometimes without being interviewed) and given top positions in the public sector. This is one area that government is wasting money on.
The 1st of May is recognised as Workers Day and celebrated internationally. However, the day has lost its meaning and significance. Many people, especially the youth, including workers themselves, don’t recognise it. It has become an ordinary day. Sad.
In today’s world, workers are used as tools, not as a resource. They are overworked and underpaid. When they ask for an increase, they are told that there is no money. Yet senior managers earn fat salaries and get big bonuses every year, without fail.
The government, which was friendly to workers, has become an enemy of workers. It does no longer recognise the value added and invaluable contribution of its employees to the public sector. Instead, it treats them as a liability.
Last year, government offered public servants a 0 per cent annual increment. Yet it had a three-year wage deal, which was due last year, with its employees. This year, government is offering a 0 per cent increment again, saying it has no money. Same story as last year.
On the other hand, Salga is offering civil servants a mere 2,8 per cent increment and a three-year freeze on benefits such as medical aid. It is also claiming to be low on cash. Yet local government has become an epicentre of corruption. That’s where the money is going. And perpetrators are getting away with murder.
Salga has the best interest of councillors at heart. Councillors enjoy a R7 800 housing allowance. They also receive a lot of money on cellphone allowance and other benefits. But Salga holds a firm view that civil servants deserve a 0 per cent on benefits.
Public sector unions have threatened to organise a big strike if the government doesn’t agree to their 7 per cent demand. Samwu has also threatened to go to the streets if Salga refuses to better its offer. It looks like the mother of all strikes is looming.
It is clear from the above that workers are worse off. They are certainly not enjoying the fruits of our hard-earned democracy. So, they are not looking forward to celebrating Workers Day, understandably so.
