Nehawu to bargain for 10% increase
NEHAWU will begin national wage negotiations in November, in pursuit of a 10% salary increase for public servants based on a sliding scale, and are also demanding that childcare facilities be established at all workplaces.
Nehawu provincial secretary, Sabata Jonas, said that the union represented “over 8 000 members in the Province”.
He called for the abolishment of salary levels 1-3 and argued that government officials should start on an entry salary level 4.
Jonas stated that the government housing scheme should be fully implemented in addition to the housing allowances, in order for workers to access affordable housing loans.
Scheme
“Our Government Employees Pension Fund must create a portfolio and invest in the scheme instead of bailing out state entities like South African Airways and investing in malls.”
Jonas added that the union’s list of demands included a review of the Government Employees Medical Scheme (Gems).
“The review of Gems must be speeded up as per a previous agreement, to provide an affordable medical scheme for public servants. We also demand a childcare facility in all workplaces.”
He stated that Nehawu president Mzwandile Makwayiba, general secretary Zola Saphetha and other national office bearers would address Nehawu members in preparation of the wage negotiations for public servants.
“The Office of the Provincial Secretary has requested the Office of the Director General to release members on this date to attend the board members general meeting on October 6.”
Jonas also stated that all affiliates were united in the call to end the scourge of corruption.
“We are losing roughly R147 billion illegally out of the country per year, while real unemployment is standing at 38 percent, where close to 10 million people are struggling to find jobs.”
He said revolutionary stalwarts Yure Mdyongolo, Bheki Mkhize, former Nehawu general secretary Fikile Majola and other national office bearers would address members at their 30th anniversary celebrations in the Province on October 6.