EWN reports that public sector wage talks will now enter a process of facilitation by an independent intervener, after negotiations between the government and unions deadlocked on Thursday.

Basil Manuel of the National Professional Teachers Organisation of SA (Naptosa) reported that organised labour declared a deadlock, after government brought consultative issues into the collective bargaining process. He explained that the mediation process would help parties determine how to separate the two issues that led to the dispute. “We believe and that is why we have not gone for another process, that there is room for talking and sorting this out, even if this is through a facilitator,” Manuel said. Government has proposed a 3% increase in wages, which is a figure that public servants are apparently not averse to. However, this would come with conditions that labour said it could not accept as they were government’s way of trying to recoup unbudgeted funds. Treasury has budgeted R25 billion for the wage increments. However, a 3% offer would see that amount climb by R6 billion.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Theto Mahlakoana at EWN

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