Undecided public sector unions have until this week to decide whether they will sign on the government proposed 1.5% wage increase.
Deadlocked for months, the public sector wage negotiations are still on going as some unions are still reluctant to agree to the wage increase offered by the government. This last offer was tabled two weeks ago at the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council.
The government offered staff between levels 1 and 12 salary increases of between R1 200 and R1 700, and has indicated that the pay hike will be close to R1 000 after tax deductions.
Only 34% of unions have agreed to this by signing. However, a 50% threshold is needed for the agreement to be implemented.
A hopeful Mugwena Maluleke, Sadtu general secretary – the convener for all Cosatu affiliated trade unions, said “The agreement is currently signed by 34.7% since July 12. We are still waiting for a few unions (one is Denosa and another PSA) who were still waiting for a mandate from their members.”
Some unions are disputing the government’s offer. Samwu and the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union are among those that declared a dispute.
Samwu is demanding a minimum sectoral wage of R15 000, a R4 000 salary increase across the board, six months of fully paid maternity leave, one month of fully paid parental leave, and a R3 500 housing allowance, reports IOL.
On the other hand, Salga has proposed a 2.8% salary increase.
The government’s offer will be withdrawn in 21 days if the 50% threshold is not reached.