Issued by: The Public Service Commission
The service dispensations of all public servants are continuously addressed against the financial situation of the government, and are negotiated in terms of the provisions of the Public Service Labour Relations Act, 1994, (Act 105 of 1994), in the Public Service Bargaining Council at central level (PSBC).
In terms of the system of collective bargaining, the priorities of organised labour and the state as employer are negotiated in the PSBC and a binding collective agreement is signed on the improvement of service dispensations and service benefits.
During recent negotiations a binding agreement was reached on the utilisation of available funds for the 1995/96 financial year as listed below.
(a) The increase of the minimum wage from R10 800 to R13 200 p.a; (b) A differentiated general salary adjustment of 22,2% at the lowest level, 5% from the notch R24 630 p.a. and 4% at the level of Director; (c) The extension of the home owner allowance scheme to single employees and married women; (d) Adjustments to the measures on overtime remuneration to eliminate disparities (the detail still has to be negotiated); (e) The extension of the night duty allowance.
Although there is empathy for the position of Nursing Personnel it is not possible to meet the demands and expectations of Nursing Personnel outside the system of collective bargaining. As a matter of fact, the Government has recently endorsed that all demands to improve service dispensations and service benefits must be addressed within the existing system of collective bargaining.
Any exceptions made to the existing system of collective bargaining will not only undermine the bargaining system but could create an untenable situation whereby other occupational classes lay claim to the same treatment. This could seriously jeopardise the principle of a unified public service.
Enquiries: Laetitia van Zyl Telephone: 314-7250