Press Statement dated 29 May 2018
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is facing crippling strike from 8 June 2018 after the Public Servants Association (PSA) that represents the majority of SASSA employees in SASSA served a strike action notice.
The strike action follows after the PSA and SASSA could not reach an agreement on salary increases for SASSA employees. The PSA tabled a wage demand on behalf of members in February 2018 but SASSA failed to table any offer in response. In terms of the Constitution of the SASSA National Bargaining Forum (SNBF), if parties do not conclude a collective agreement within 30 days of the matter being tabled, any party may declare a dispute.
“As a result of SASSA’s failure to address its employees’ salary demand, the PSA had no option but to file a dispute at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration. Conciliation failed and a certificate of non-resolution was issued on 23 April 2018. Following a balloting process, the PSA was mandated by its members in SASSA to proceed with strike action,” said PSA General Manager, Ivan Fredericks.
“The PSA, as a professional and responsible Union, is aware that the strike will affect the most vulnerable members of society and hence opted to delay serving the strike notice to afford SASSA a further opportunity to table its offer. The PSA also attempted on several occasions to have an audience with the Minister of Social Development to, amongst other, address SASSA’s failure to conclude on wage negotiations. The PSA further repeatedly warned SASSA that its conduct and attitude will impact negatively on service delivery and labour peace. The unnecessary delaying tactics by SASSA have, however, left the PSA with no option than to serve its notice and mobilise members,” said Mr Fredericks.
The PSA, however, emphasised that the Union remains open to find a solution to the current deadlock.
Issued by Public Servants Association (PSA)