A decision by the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) to raise member contributions by 9.8% next year has sparked strong backlash from public-sector unions, who say the increase is unaffordable and unjustified.
GEMS announced the adjustment this week, arguing that the hike is essential to safeguard the scheme’s long-term financial sustainability. But unions representing thousands of government employees say workers are already stretched thin.
The National Teachers’ Union (NATU) is among those condemning the move. The union’s Mathemba Mabija accused GEMS of acting out of “greed”, saying the increase far exceeds projected wage adjustments.
“This 9.8% is way above the expected adjustments for workers’ salaries,” Mabija said, adding that the scheme failed to consult members before making the decision. “We are calling on GEMS to return to the negotiation table because our members cannot afford these increases. Inflation is around 3.2%, and that’s what members are expecting as an increment in the next financial year.”
Meanwhile, the Public Servants Association (PSA) has labelled the decision reckless and is threatening legal action. The union says it has been inundated with calls from distressed members who are considering cancelling their medical aid altogether.
The PSA says the hike places an unfair financial burden on workers already grappling with rising living costs, warning that the increase could push many out of private healthcare cover.
GEMS has not yet indicated whether it will reconsider the adjustment.