At a meeting with Public Service Unions today, Government tabled a new offer in addition to the R3 billion already on the table. Government has to date offered a further R 200 million. The latest offer would amount to:
If automatic increases (rank and leg promotions) are included, employees like health workers and police personnel will receive remuneration well above the inflation rate.
Government's concern about rank and leg promotions is that it applies to certain categories of workers. We believe that this should be reviewed as part of a comprehensive wage policy, which will replace the current rank and leg promotions with a new pay progression system.
This latest offer has once again demonstrated government's commitment to settle the current wage dispute amicably. Government is disappointed that public sector unions have rejected this offer and urges unions to review their position.
We would like to call upon unions to continue discussions in the Public Service Central Bargaining Chamber (PSCBC) on the basis of a more flexible position from them. This will assist in strengthening our long-term relationship. A strike in the current climate would be counter-productive and impact on services offered to all South Africans
Despite the continuing efforts to avert a strike, worker representatives must respect labour legislation that governs labour action, particularly in respect of essential services.
Media Contact: Collen Msibi: Tel: 012-314 7250,
Issued by: Ms. Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, Minister for Public Service and Administration,
27 July 1999.