Public Service unions have followed the initiative taken by the PSA (Public Servants Association of South Africa), which represents more than 210 000 public servants, in also declaring a dispute with the State as employer over lack of progress in Public Service wage negotiations.

The PSA was excluded from proceedings in the bargaining council (PSCBC) after declaring the dispute and following a decision of the PSCBC (the employer and other unions) in this regard. The PSA demanded 11% across-the-board and a housing allowance of R1 650 per month, which was its last demand before declaring the dispute on 20 May 2010.

"It has now come to the PSA's attention that the employer and other unions have failed to reach an agreement in the PSCBC. The employer's final offer on 9 June 2010 remains at 6,5% across-the-board from 1 July 2010 plus housing allowance of R620 per month. The other unions in the PSCBC consequently formally declared a dispute on 9 June 2010 with the employer", said PSA Deputy General Manager, Manie de Clercq.

The dispute has to be resolved in terms of the PSCBC's dispute resolution procedures. This implies conciliation and if the dispute remains unresolved, industrial action can take place after giving seven days notice.

"The PSA is still in dispute with the employer as nothing has transpired to convince us to withdraw the dispute. Conciliation of the PSA's dispute is taking place on 18 June 2010", said De Clercq.

Statement issued by Manie de Clerq, Public Servants Association deputy general manager, June 10 2010

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