EWN reports that while some public sector unions are discouraging their members from taking up government’s tax exempted early retirement offer, others have warned of intimidation by managers.  

The government has opened applications to state employees who wish to go on early retirement on a no-penalty basis as one of the measures to curb the wage bill.  It plans to cut at least 30,000 jobs through the process.  Government’s plans have not enjoyed the support of unions, with the organisations declaring a dispute at the Public Service Bargaining Council over the matter.  The National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union (Nehawu) has complained of managers in government making it appear as though employees were compelled to commit to the voluntary retirements.  Meanwhile, the Public Service Association (PSA) has cautioned members against the move, saying that the financial losses and impact on service delivery would be devastating.  The union’s Tahir Maepa has also criticised the government’s failure to engage with labour on the issue.

• Read the original of Theto Mahlakoana’s report in the above regard at EWN

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