CONCILIATION AGREEMENT CONCLUDED

18 October 2000

The National Health and Allied Workers Unions (NEHAWU), the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) and the National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers (NUPSAW) concluded a conciliation agreement on the improvement of the conditions of service for the public service with Government on Monday the 16th of October.

The agreement, which was reached, on 03 October 2000 includes: A commitment to hold a Presidential Job Summit no later than the 31 January 2001 to deliberate on the size and the nature of the public service;

• A commitment to develop and finalise a new progression system by 1st July 2001 to replace the current rank and leg promotion failing which all employees including educators will receive R850 increased according to inflation [consumer price Index] untin agreement is reached.
• A cash value in respect of annual leave accrual and payouts be payable at dismissal.
• Additional items which are part of the agreement relate to leave refusal, family responsibility leave, HIV/AIDS and pension restructuring.

This agreement brings to an end the conciliation process, which began on 29 September 2000 between Government as employer and these three unions.

Commenting on the signing of the agreement the Minister for Public Service and Administration, Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi noted that while the process had been protracted, the parties involved in the negotiations should be commended for their commitment towards an amicable resolution. "The outcome of these negotiations should be seen as a continuation of the policies of our government in our quest to transform the Public Service. As an employer, government strives to improve the conditions of workers in pursuit of a better life for all", said the Minister.

For more information please contact Kubeshni Govender on 082 9033422