Cosatu calls for real negotiations in the public service 24-05-07

 

COSATU Public Service Unions

Media release: "COSATU calls for real negotiations in the public service", 24 May 2007

As COSATU public service unions we welcome the call of the Minister of Public Service and Administration for further talks between the parties to take place on 28th and 29th of May. Indeed we have been calling for real negotiations to commence in order to avert a national strike in the public service.

But we need to be very clear that meaningful negotiations can only take place on the basis of a revised offer which genuinely attempts to address the concerns and demands of the unions. Anything less amounts to bad faith and will only deepen the distrust and animosity which is growing amongst the membership towards the employer.

In particular we would urge the Minister not to use this meeting as an opportunity to patronize union representatives by seeking to "clarify" or "refine" an offer that has been so completely and utterly rejected by over one million public servants.

As unions we will not be drawn into sham negotiations designed to impress public opinion. We would propose that the Minister should leave her spin doctors at home and rather empower her negotiating team to enter a real dialogue with labour with a view to reaching a just settlement.

The present dispute is about much more than the fight for a real wage increase. It is also about the future and quality of service delivery in the public services, particularly in health, education and security. A long and bitter strike will not assist. We would therefore reiterate our appeal to the Minister: let real negotiation commence sooner rather than later.

This call does not suggest that we want to suspend our programme of rolling mass action. Our programme continues as planned till our demands have been met.

For further information please phone the following general secretaries:

Aquina Thulare - SAMA 0832813474

Dan Van Wyk - PAWUSA 0824624350

Freddie Mohai - SADNU 0824147971

Mthimkhulu Mashiya - SASAWU 0826571143

Fikile Slovo Majola - NEHAWU 0824551751

Thembeka Gwagwa - DENOSA 0828295440

Thulas Nxesi - SADTU 0827826877

Abbey Witbooi - POPCRU 0828206079