The South African government has tabled a new wage offer of 5.5% for public sector workers, following a meeting with labor unions at the Public Sector Coordinating Bargaining Council. This revised offer comes after workers rejected an initial 5% salary increase proposal.
The government’s Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, presented last year, had made provisions for a 4.7% salary increase for public servants. Workers’ demands have been lowered multiple times, from an original request of 12% to the current 6%.
Claude Naicker of the Public Servants Association of South Africa (PSA) commented on the new offer, highlighting that it includes improvements in non-financial benefits. Naicker expressed hope that the negotiations could be concluded before the February budget.
“We’ve been given 21 days to consult with our membership to see if they are satisfied with the offer,” said Naicker. “There has been significant progress. The offer is more than tangible compared to where we started, moving from 3% to 4.7%, then 5%, and now 5.5%. Additionally, the housing allowance has been increased from just above R1700 to R1900, with further adjustments linked to inflation in July. The medical aid subsidy has also been enhanced.”
Both the government and unions are working towards a resolution that meets the needs of public sector workers while remaining within budget constraints.