Breakthrough of impasse
13 March 2023
- Public Sector Dispute Settled: Parties out on strike regarding the 2022/2023 wage negotiations have settled their dispute.
- Unions that were outside of the bargaining process will return to the 2023/2024 wage negotiations table.
- Settlement allows for infusing of residual matters into current wage negotiations. Negotiations will not be delayed.
- Trade unions will return to Council allowing processes to operate at full capacity
- The PSCBC appreciates for the continuous support from parties to Council in defending collective bargaining.
The PSCBC has noted the ongoing strike action by NEHAWU, initiated on the 6th March 2023 and the effect that this has had on service delivery across the country. This industrial action emanates from the outstanding dispute regarding the implementation of the previous leg 2022/2023 cost of living adjustment (COLA), on the part of the employer. A facilitation process was initiated on the 9th March 2023, as a means of breaking the impasse between parties. The state as the employer together with the Trade Unions NEHAWU joined by POPCRU, DENOSA & SAPU deliberated on chartering a way forward. The robust discussions and engagements continued through the weekend and culminated in a settlement agreement for the facilitation process.
The key elements of the agreement include:
- Cessation of hostilities between parties following the end of the strike action;
- Implementation of a “no work, no pay” deductions;
- Orderly return to work for employees on strike over a 24 hour period of signing of the agreement;
- Tabling of any residual and substantial matters emanating from the 2022/2023 wage dispute COLA by Labour. These will be dealt with and concluded as part of the 2023/2024 wage negotiations
- Conclusion of a minimum service level agreement by both the Employer and Trade Unions within 6 months of conclusion of the 2023/2024 wage negotiations
- Expedition of the implementation of the Government Employee Housing Scheme (GEHS)
This agreement serves as the conclusion of the dispute between parties and initiates the return of the Trade Unions to Council.
We as the PSCBC are elated that Parties could engage in constructive collective bargaining processes and find mutual ground in concluding an agreement. We are pleased that parties engaged in good faith negotiations that benefit both employees and employers, and foster a positive working relationship. As we welcome back parties to the Council, we would like to express our appreciation to the majority of trade unions and the employer that have continued to ensure the functionality of Council during this time.
Issued: General Secretary PSCBC, Frikkie De Bruin
Media enquiries: Oomang Parag, Manager: Communications, 0823191198,
Public Service Unions affiliated to Cosatu Fedusa And Saftu on the collapsed Public Service Wage Negotiations National Day of Action
[ Thursday November 17, 2022 ]
The trade unions organising in the Public Service affiliated to COSATU, FEDUSA and SAFTU have called this media briefing to update our members and the public in general about the collapsed public service wage negotiations and further outline the wayforward and our concrete program of action.
As a collective of public service unions represented at the PSCBC which is the biggest bargaining council in the country carrying the hopes and aspirations of public servants, we could not stand by and watch as the government erodes collective bargaining and the rights of workers. We observed with utter disdain as the employer made jokes about how government has assisted -“sibazamile”- public servants with the paltry 3 per cent offer made.
Press Release: Public Service Wage Negotiations: 8 November 2022
The PSCBC has been inundated with enquires from the media, public servants and the public at large on the public service wage negotiations as well as the impending strike action of the Public Servants Association (PSA).
The wage negotiations has deadlocked and parties opted to follow individual dispute resolution procedures as to attempt to unlock the impasse. This has unfortunately being unsuccessful as parties could not find one another.
To date, we have only received a strike notice from the Public Servants Association (PSA). The PSA commenced with workplace picketing as per the picketing rules issued that will culminate into a one day strike action planned for the 10th November 2022.
Public Service wage negotiations
- The facilitation process has been concluded.
- A draft agreement has been prepared for parties to seek their relevant mandates.
- Council will pronounce on the outcomes within 21 days.
Parties to the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) met today where a draft agreement emanating from the facilitation process, was tabled for parties to consider.
Implementation of PSCBC Resolution 1 of 2021: Non-pensionable Cash Allowance
The Director-General of the Department of Public Service and Administration, Ms Yoliswa Makhasi, takes this opportunity to thank public servants for their patience during the process to implement the non-pensionable cash allowance provided for in PSCBC Resolution 1 of 2021.
The Department of Public Service and Administration hereby confirms that employees will receive the allowance, including back pay to April 2021, on 16 September 2021.
For members of the South African Police Service, the non-pensionable cash allowance will be paid by no later than 20 September 2021.
It should be noted that the Department of Public Service and Administration is also still busy with the implementation of the non-pensionable cash allowance for part-time employees. This will be finalized as soon as possible.
The date for the implementation of the 1.5% pensionable increase which was also provided for in the Resolution 1 of 2021, will be announced soon. .
The Director-General wishes to thank public servants for the services that they continue to render and in making a difference in the lives of citizens, especially the poorest of the poor, in the middle of Covid-19 pandemic.
For Media Enquiries Contact: DPSA Director Communications: Mr Moses Mushi, on 082 972 6595/
Issued by the Department for Public Service and Administration
13 September 2021
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