The Star reports that the SA Policing Union (SAPU) has expressed disappointment that a majority of public sector unions have signed the latest wage offer from the South African government.

This was indicated after unions representing a majority of civil servants signed the government's offer of a 1.5% increase and a monthly cash gratuity this week. Public sector wage negotiations had been deadlocked for months, as unions were reluctant to agree to the earlier wage increase offered by the government. SAPU threatened to go on strike, but has been disappointed by the assent to the offer by a majority of unions. Peter Ntsime, SAPU general secretary, said they were shocked that other unions had signed the offer, forcing the minority of unions to accept the deal.   More than 60% of unions accepted the offer, meaning it would apply to all public servants. The deal will be implemented from next month. Ntsime said there were several problems with the agreed upon offer. The union was also concerned that it would affect future negotiations by putting workers at a disadvantage. “This agreement does not increase the pensions of civil servants… The cash allowances which are R1,220 for employees on salary level 1 and R1 965 for salary level 12 with others varying in between are non-pensionable and taxable,” Ntsime stated.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Itumeleng Mafisa at The Star

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page