Public Service and Administration Minister Senzo Mchunu is calling for citizens to come forward with proposals that could help to resolve the deadlock between government and organised labour over the current public service wage negotiations.
Government and labour reached a deadlock on negotiations last week.
Mchunu held a media briefing last week in which he stated that these were the most difficult wage negotiations between the parties to date.
This was based on a number of factors, including the bad state of the country’s economy; Covid-19; the outcome in the Labour Appeal Court, with organised labour appealing the decision in the Constitutional Court; and the need for urgent public service reform.
While government has made mention of the fact that it has appointed a lead negotiator and that it has responded to labour’s demands, the parties have reached a deadlock, the Department of Public Service and Administration said.
A number of proposals have been put forth by experts such as economists and actuaries, as well as other individuals and the viability of those proposals is being considered.
“Government is passionately keen on making further efforts to find a solution and, in this regard, is inviting proposals,” the department said.
Citizens, professionals, and civil organisations have been invited to provide proposals, including innovative ideas on how best to improve labour relations with government employees.
Those interested in submitting proposals have been invited to email Kamogelo.Mogotsi@dpsa.gov.za