Parliament of the Republic of South Africa
The annual negotiations on wages at Parliament started in the first week of February. The negotiations are expected to last to the middle of March.
Workers are being represented through the union, the National Education and Health Workers Union (Nehawu). Nehawu has the majority of Parliament's workers affiliated to it.
Parliament is being represented by a committee appointed by the Presiding Officers.
Parliament and Nehawu have tabled their proposals.
Parliament has based their proposals on the following principles;
1. The narrowing of the wage gap between the highest and lowest paid workers. 2. Salary adjustments should not be below the rate of inflation. 3. Salaries should meet the average market related increases. 4. Increases must be done within budgetary constraints. 5. The salary levels of technically skilled staff must be addressed.
Parliament has proposed a 10% growth in the salary bill. This translates into an additional expenditure of R4.9 million.
Nehawu has proposed a 35% increase at the lower level and a 1.54% at the highest level. Their proposals would mean an additional expenditure of R9,2 million.
The average salary increase in South Africa for the current financial year has been 9.9%. The rate of inflation for 1996 was 7.4%.
The highest minimum salary paid in South Africa is R2085,24 per month.
The present minimum salary paid at Parliament is R2039,50 per month.
Please find attached copies of the proposals of Parliament and a summary of the proposals of Nehawu.
Queries can be directed to: Elmien Riley Tel: (021) 403 3902 Pager: (021) 468 5050 code 16234
Issued by the Public Education Department, Parliament, Cape Town
22 February 1997