Press Statement dated 11 June 2018
The Public Servants Association (PSA) had a constructive meeting with the Minister of Social Development, Ms Susan Shabangu, on 11 June 2018, resulting in temporary abeyance of the current industrial action by members of the Union employed by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).
PSA members embarked on protected national industrial action today based on SASSA’s ongoing failure to engage in salary negotiations for its employees.
“At today’s meeting, the PSA made it clear to the Minister that the SASSA Bargaining Forum is the only recognised structure for negotiating matters of mutual interest for employees. The PSA is adamant that SASSA is not bound by any bargaining process under the auspices of the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC),” said PSA General Manager, Ivan Fredericks.
Following the meeting with the PSA, the Minister requested time to consult relevant stakeholders and undertook to revert to the PSA at a follow-up meeting scheduled for Thursday, 14 June 2018.
“The Minister gained valuable insights from today’s meeting with the PSA. The PSA, in placing trust in the Minister’s favourable consideration of the Union’s position, has thus decided to temporarily relax the current industrial action. PSA members will, however, continue with lunch-time picketing pending the outcome of the scheduled meeting. This meeting will also be decisive in guiding the PSA’s position relating to future industrial action in SASSA,” said Mr Fredericks.
Issued by Ivan Fredericks, General Manager, Public Servants Association (PSA)