Fedusa backs strike

THE Federation of Unions of SA fully supports the right of the SA Social Security Agency (Sassa) workers within the Public Servants Association – an affiliate of the union federation that represents the majority of Sassa employees – to embark on an indefinite industrial action to demand decent wages and better working conditions

Workers decided to go on strike after wage talks with the agency reached a deadlock. In February 2018, the association tabled a wage increase demand on behalf of the workers but Sassa failed to table an offer in response. In terms of the constitution of the Sassa National Bargaining Forum, if parties do not conclude a collective agreement within 30 days of being tabled, any party may declare a dispute.

Fedusa welcomes meeting Social Development Minister Susan Shabangu to discuss a possible solution.

Sassa’s failure to respond to workers’ demands left the association with no option but to approach the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration.

A certificate of non-resolution was duly issued on April 23. Extensive balloting by the association resulted in a mandate by its members to continue with the industrial action.

Fedusa, aware that the strike will affect the most vulnerable members of society, on many occasions delayed serving the strike notice to afford Sassa further opportunity to table its offer – to no avail. Fedusa hopes common sense will prevail and the parties return to the negotiating table as soon as possible. Frank Nxumalo Fedusa media officer