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New offer could bring strike to end

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31 August 2010

A long night of negotiation between trade union leaders and Public Service Minister Richard Baloyi, under instruction from President Jacob Zuma, has produced a draft settlement offer that could bring an end to South Africa's near two-week long public service strike.

The draft settlement offer includes a 7.5 percent salary incease and a R800 monthly housing allowance. Public service unions have demanded an 8.6 percent increase and a R1 000 housing allowance.

While the unions have asked for time to consult with their members on the offer, the government has called on them to speed up the process.

A follow-up meeting of the Public Service Coordinating and Bargaining Council (PSCBC) for consideration of the offer will be held on Wednesday, after which Baloyi will address the media.

The minister and unions returned to the negotiating table on Monday after President Zuma instructed them to find a solution that would bring the strike to an end as matter of urgency.

According to News 24, Zizi Kodwa, the President's spokeperson, said Zuma had told his ministers that he could not allow the strike go on, adding that he was particularly concerned about its impact on health and education in the country.

"The President's view is that the strike must end as soon as possible, in the next couple of days," Kodwa said. "He appealed to both sides to put the interests of the country first. That would mean give and take from both sides in negotiations."

Government spokesperson Themba Maseko said in a statement on Monday that the government was "committed to finding a solution that is acceptable to all the parties".

Maseko said the government "shares the public's concern about the strike and the negative impact that it has had on delivery of such services as schooling and medical care.

"Government assures the public that everything will be done to find a solution to the dispute, and will work together with public service unions to find an amicable solution to the impasse."

Source: BuaNews