Johannesburg – The Democratic nursing organization of South Africa (DENOSA) – one of the unions battling the government to up its 3% wage offer for public service workers – is accusing the employer of acting “unilaterally”.
Earlier this month, DENOSA and other unions declared a dispute with the government at the Public Service Co-ordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC).
However, the DENOSA said at the weekend that: “While unions were waiting for the conciliation process, PSCBC convened a special council meeting on 19 October 2022. The meeting was initiated by the employer.”
DENOSA added: “In the meeting, the employer informed labour that it is contemplating to evoke Section 5(5)(b) of Public Service Act.
“This section empowers the minister of DPSA [Department of Public Service and Administration] to implement the last offer unilaterally if the draft agreement on salary negotiations is not enjoying the majority of signatures.
“This means that government has taken a decision to implement the 3% salary increase, R1 000 allowance, and 1.5% PMDS unilaterally.”
DENOSA said the employer stated that if this last offer is not paid to the employees now, they will not have a salary increase this year.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is expected to table the last budget adjustments and allocations on Wednesday, (26 October 2022), for the financial year of 2022/2023.
“According to the employer, if this offer is not effected in the Mid-Term Budget Speech of the minister of finance on 26 October, the increase will be considered at a later stage,” DENOSA said.
“Unions are continuing with the dispute process as scheduled on 31 October and 1 November 2022.”
DENOSA said the employer “stated that they remain committed and respect the collective bargaining councils.”
Other unions at the bargaining council include the National, Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU), Police and Prison Civil Rights Union (POPCRU). Public and Allied Workers Union (PAWUSA), South African Emergency Personnel’s Union (SAEPU), and South African Medical Association Trade Union (SAMATU).
Meanwhile, the Congress of South African Unions (COSATU) – representing the Public Service Unions DENOSA, NEHAWU, PAWUSA, POPCRU, SAEPU, and SAMATU – will on Monday respond to the collapse of salary negotiations in the public service.
