Umamah Bakharia | ub@radioislam.co.za

2 min read
22 November 2022 | 10:00 CAT

Approximately 800 000 public servants are set to march today across Gauteng and KwaZulu Natal following a deadlock in wage negotiations between unions and employers.

Photo credit: tame Times

The Public Service Association (PSA), along with the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) and South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) members in government employment called for a National Day of Action to demand higher wages.

Negotiations reached a deadlock after the government made a final offer of 7.5% comprising 3% pensionable and 4.5% non-pensionable funds. However, unions rejected the government’s offer and continue to demand a 10% increase.

Speaking to Radio Islam, PSA Claude Naicker says they expect disruptions across all government sectors due to the strike.

“Quite a number service departments will be affected,” he says. Adding that “departments like home affairs, motor transport, licensing bureau especially the border controls – I know for a fact that the PSA immigration officials at border control will be joining the marches and they will be picketing and definitely service levels [will be affected].”

Reacting to whether matric pupils will be affected by the strike, Naicker says the matric students of 2022 have suffered enough, and there are measures in place to ensure that the strike does not affect them.

“We have made a conscious that our teachers, if they are off or during lunch time, they picket in solidarity with the other members but if they are involved in exams invigilating they should continue with your duties,” he says.

The affiliated unions will deliver a memorandum of demands to the National Treasury on Tuesday.

Listen to the full interview with the PSA’s Claude Naicker: