Looming public sector strike now more likely

Steven Tau

A devastating strike in the public service sector is likely unless an agreement with government is reached soon, labour analyst Terry Bell has warned.

This comes after a mediation process that sought to find a solution to the wage impasse between the employer – the government – and public service sector unions was extended to May 11.

Talks have been going on for seven months now. According to Bell, the parties could be headed for another deadlock.

“A full-blown strike is something the country cannot afford, as it would have a tremendous impact on health and education.

“The way these talks have been handled on the part of the employer, is something that I have never seen before... First the employer presents an offer, then decides to downgrade it, then as time goes by, re-offers their initial offer,” Bell told The Citizen.

The last official offer the employer presented was a 5.8% wage increase and R1 100 for housing allowance. Labour is demanding a 10% wage increase and R1 500 for housing allowance.

Initial demands by the workers included a 15% pay increase and and increase of R3 000 for housing.

Bell said a number of unresolved labour issues between the employer and employees remained, dating back to 2007, among them working hours and medical aid.

During a recent march to the Treasury and the department of public service and administration, public servants made it clear that they would not accept anything less than double digits.

Last Thursday was initially set down as the last day of the mediation process.

Speaking on behalf of trade union federation Cosatu’s public service unions, Nkosinathi Mabhida said nothing was finalised at Thursday’s meeting.

All parties concerned agreed that those representing the employer would have to consult their principals over a new proposal that was presented, Mabhida said.

He declined to comment on the new proposal, as he was “not at liberty” to do so at this stage.

“However our demands have not changed and will remain the same unless our members decide otherwise.”

A full-blown strike is something the country cannot afford as it would have a tremendous impact on health and education Terry Bell Labour analyst