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The National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers (NUPSAW) is dismayed that the majority of unions to the Public Service Co-ordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) have settled on signing a ridiculous offer. The settlement of a 1.5% that was meant for PMDS and cash allowance from the employer is a wake-up call for all workers to unite in defence of Collective Bargaining.

We are aware that the lengthy process held public servants expecting a better outcome of the negotiations. NUPSAW filed a dispute of mutual interest with the view of protecting and defending what we believe is the fundamental rights of our members and the collective bargaining rights as we are continually facing an employer who imposes austerity measures.

We remain resolute that any offer outside the baseline, which does not contribute to the pensionable service, must be rejected with the contempt it deserves. Our position still stands that members must not allow the employer to undermine collective bargaining like this. Our view is that this behaviour by the so-called majority union reverses one of the major victories that public servants as part of the working class have secured in the democratic dispensation. We encourage all workers in the Public Service to unite in preparation for the next wage negotiation for the financial year 2022/2023 to avoid history repeating itself.

In light of the above, concerning the previous year's agreement and the employer's failure to implement the negotiated increases in PSCBC Resolution 1/2018, the matter will be heard in the Constitutional Court on 24 August 2021. And we will keep members updated on any further developments.