BusinessLive reports that government facilitators have requested to push back until 24 April the public servants wage talks in order to consult with their principals, who are the heads of government departments.
Public Service and Administration Minister Ayanda Dlodlo’s spokesman, Mava Scott, said the postponement was requested to allow time for talks. Scott could, however, not explain how the state intended continuing with the talks after requesting a postponement. The request came amid tension among parties at the Public Sector Co-ordinating Bargaining Council as leaders of labour unions grappled with what they said was the state’s bizarre handling of the talks. The government has apparently tabled two different offers to employees at the council and changed negotiators when the talks were nearing an end in February. The changes have placed the talks at the brink of collapse, with the Public Servants Association (PSA) threatening to strike, even if it does not have the support of the rest of the public unions. On Wednesday, the union leaders held various meetings to discuss strategies on how to get the government to come to the table with a tangible offer.
- Read this report by Theto Mahlakoana in full at BusinessLive
- Read too, State tramples on public servants’ rights as talks face deadlock, at BL Premium (paywall access)
- And also, Public sector wage negotiations are deadlocked, at Business Report
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page