PSA threatens to shut airport, disrupt exams
THE Public Servants Association (PSA) has confirmed that the nationwide wage strike will continue tomorrow. The union will embark on the action after disagreements over wage increases.
In a statement, the PSA said it is aware that the employer intends on implementing a meagre 3% salary increase, in spite of the deadlock on the matter. PSA spokesperson Reuben Maleka told broadcaster ENCA that they had initially demanded 10%. However, they had dropped to 6.5%.
“We dropped our demands significantly, even leaving out many other demands, including housing and medical, among other things. We only concentrated on the percentage and we said we are willing to settle at 6.5%, which is way below inflation,” said Maleka.
Maleka said it was critical for its members to demonstrate their dissatisfaction by participating in the nationwide march on Thursday.
He added that the members must also note that the cash gratuity ends on March 31 2023, which the PSA is vigorously trying to protect by demanding it continues beyond this date to prevent members from being “out of pocket”.
“Members have provided the PSA with their mandate to reject the employer’s current offer and embark on industrial action. PSA provincial offices across the country will be embarking on various forms of industrial action leading up to nationwide marches on November 10. The PSA will also be supported in this by sister unions belonging to the Federation of Unions of SA (Fedusa),” said Maleka.
H.e warned that they would shut down all essential departments and the airport. “If you are planning on leaving the country on Thursday (tomorrow), it would be best to leave today,” he said. Maleka added that there would be a possibility of disruptions to the matric exams.
Several unions have rejected the 3% wage increase offered by acting Public Service and Administration Minister Thulas Nxesi, saying it is below the inflation rate.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced the increase during the Medium-term Budget Policy Statement, saying the 3% wage hike by the government was fair and would be implemented unilaterally.