Government clarifies its wage offer to public servants - 0.1% is the difference between the state offer and the union demands, August 23 2010

At a meeting convened by the Acting President, Mr Kgalema Motlanthe this morning, government decided to further clarify its position regarding the current wage impasse with the public sector unions.

Over the past few months, government has been engaged in wage negotiations with all the public sector unions. The government's starting offer was 5.2% salary increase and a housing allowance of R500. After extensive negotiations with the unions, government decided to increase its offer to 6.5 % and a monthly housing allowance of R630. At this point, the unions rejected the state's offer, declared a dispute and opted to engage in labour action.

Government decided to table a settlement offer after further intense negotiations with the union leadership. The settlement offer is seven percent annual increase and a R700 a month housing allowance. This settlement offer was in addition to the 1.5 % pay progression for all public servants. In real terms, the state's offer to the unions amounts to 8.5 % and means that the real difference between the state and the unions at this point in time is 0.1%. Further, an average 1.5% pay based on performance but has now been added to the wage offer as part of government's commitment to improving the conditions of service of state employees. More than 90% will get the1.5% pay progression

Government appeals to the public sector unions to sign the offer without delay and further appeals to all public servants who are on strike to return to their posts with immediate effect.

Government is monitoring the strike and is extremely concerned about the violence and intimidation that continues to characterise the strike in parts of the country. Reports about the intimidation of workers, particularly nurses and teachers, who do not want to be part of the strike are being investigated and those responsible for these acts will face the full might of the law. The dedicated courts will ensure that those who are apprehended for illegal acts and for defying the court interdict are prosecuted speedily.

Public servants who are employed in essential services are required by law to be back at their posts without any further delay, as they were not supposed to participate in the strike. Although no decision has been taken to dismiss such workers at this stage, failure to report for duty exposes them to the possibility of dismissal.

The principle of no work no pay will be implemented with immediate effect for all those who are participating in the strike. Government departments and officials are required to keep detailed records of employees who participate in the strike for purposes of implementing the no work no pay policy.

The Department of Basic Education is working with provinces to ensure that contingency measures are put in place to ensure that learners are assisted with their preparations for the year-end examinations. These measures include the establishment of dedicated centres to assist matriculants with their preparations. Additional learning materials, including DVDs, will be distributed to grade 12 learners shortly to assist them with their preparations for examinations.

The Department of Health is coordinating all efforts with the Defence Force to ensure that our clinics and hospitals remain open to provide services to the citizens. Medical personnel from the Defence Force are already assisting in hospitals and clinics around the country.

The South African National Defence Force, in partnership with other law enforcement agencies, is ready to deal with any lawlessness in any part of the country. All state institutions such as clinics and schools will be protected to ensure that these facilities remain accessible to citizens.

Government thanks all South Africans who have volunteered their valuable time to assist the health authorities to ensure that the sick can still receive urgently needed medical attention. This includes private companies that have made their facilities available during this difficult time.

Government wishes to re-assure South Africans that the impasse will be resolved sooner rather than later. Although labour disputes are a normal part of any functioning democracy, the violence and intimidation that has characterised this strike is abnormal, unacceptable, and deplorable and should be condemned by all. Strikers must know that the South African public will not longer accept to be held to ransom by anyone. Prevention of citizens from entering health and educational facilities, the assault of learners and other non-striking workers will not, under any circumstances, be tolerated.

Government will not stand by while its citizens are being subjected to violence, intimidation and abuse. Government thanks members of the police force and the Defence Force for their dedication and hard work during the strike.

Statement issued by Government Communications (GCIS), August 23 2010

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter