The Public Servants Association (PSA), which represents more than 235 000 public servants, is demanding a much-improved offer on the 7%-salary increase that is currently proposed by the employer.
The PSA remains resolute on its mandated demand for a 10% increase. Government’s offer does not consider the escalating cost of living and does not meet the needs of public servants. The PSA is further disappointed that whilst it is engaging to secure a decent increase for its members who are about to lose a cash gratuity in April 2023, other unions are not only disrupting negotiations but are also intimidating PSA members. The violence, disrespect, and thuggery being experienced have no space in a democratic dispensation as the rights of everyone must be respected. The PSA led the way in November 2022 when the Union embarked on industrial action without attacking or violating anyone.
The behaviour demonstrated by some unions cannot be tolerated and the PSA thus welcomes the Court interdict against violent attacks on its members ‘disguised as a strike’. There is constant attack on the PSA, with the Union being labelled as ‘sell outs’ by those with a different agenda, which is not centred around the welfare of public servants. The PSA opted to participate in wage negotiations for 2023/24 to mitigate the risk of public servants not getting a salary increase this financial year. In addition, public servants could be further negatively impacted as government has already communicated it intention of discontinuing the current cash gratuity.
It thus defies logic to suggest that participation in current wage negotiations with a view to improve the conditions of public servants, amounts to betrayal of workers’ struggle. The PSA views such attacks as the desperate attempt to remain relevant. The PSA cannot allow any further delay in negotiations and calls upon government to table an improved offer for consideration by the Union’s members and not to allow disruptions at the expense of all public servants. The unions that have opted not to participate in the current negotiations are respected, however, the PSA equally expects them to respect its position. The majority of unions sent the employer back to its principals to consider an acceptable offer and awaits the employer to revert to Council. The PSA is a mandate-driven organisation and will not accept any offer without a mandate from its members.
