CAPE TOWN: The government has revised its wage offer to public servants, but it is still far from the trade union demands of a 10% cost of living increase.
On Friday, acting public service and administration Minister Nathi Mthethwa outlined the government’s offer, which will be presented at the next round of wage negotiations scheduled for Tuesday May 28.
Mr Mthethwa said the government had decided to make its offer public before presenting it to the unions following Thursday’s march in Pretoria by members of about 15 public sector unions.
Improving the Government Employees Medical Scheme subsidy from a rise of 17.6% to 28.5%; introducing three days’ paternity leave for public sector employees; increasing family responsibility leave to five days from two for those who have children with special needs;and raising the housing allowance from R900 to R1,200 per month. The cost of living increases will be based on the consumer price index (CPI) rise plus one percent for the 2015-16 year.
