Key players in the wage dispute between the government and public sector trade unions were tight-lipped on Friday morning about rumours of secret talks with Public Service Minister Richard Baloyi.

"I'm not able to confirm or deny," government spokesperson Themba Maseko told Sapa.

The chief negotiators for the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) and the Independent Labour Caucus (ILC) were either not answering their phones, or their cellphones were switched off.

South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) deputy general secretary Nkosana Dolopi referred all queries to the top structures of the union.

"I would not be able to comment," said Dolopi.

Business Day newspaper and SABC television news reported that talks were going on behind the scenes on Thursday evening between the Public Service and Administration Minister and the unions.

Maseko said that he would have to consult with the Minister first before he could make a statement.

But he did say: "We are hoping that in fact the union leadership and the government negotiators will come back to the table, sooner rather than later."

Asked if this meant that the government would now consider revising its offer, Maseko replied: "It means that the government is prepared to have discussions with the unions to discuss what is on the table."

He said that no formal arrangements had been made for a meeting on Friday.

"But if the unions and government negotiators are able to find each other, then they will meet, even if it is tonight [Friday] or over the weekend."

Thousands of public servants took to the streets on Thursday in mass marches countrywide to push for an 8,6% salary increase and R1 000 monthly housing allowance.

The government has offered 7% and R700, excluding a 1,5% pay progression for most, but not all, public servants.

The strike by some 1,3-million workers started last Wednesday and has crippled health and education services.

Several protesters were arrested for public violence earlier this week.

The government last week said that it would unilaterally implement its wage offer.