Salary negotiations - SAPU declares dispute- 21 May 2010 The South African Policing Union (SAPU) would like to express it dismay, anger and disappointment at the attitude of government negotiators in the Public Service Co-ordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC). To say we are embarrassed to declare a dispute during these early stages of negotiations is an understatement. SAPU would like to call upon the political principals of the Department of Public Service and Administration to give leadership. A group of public sector unions including SAPU were forced to declare a dispute last night (Thursday 20 May 2010) after we have realized that the government came with an offer of 5,2% in salary increment whilst were demanding 11 %. This government offer is well below even to the 5,3 % CPIX. There’s no way that we can go to members with such an insult. This is totally unacceptable. We also find it totally unacceptable that the government wanted to postpone salary negotiations until the end of July. As we have declared a dispute we are now heading for mediation whom we believe might assist the parties before the situation gets out of control. It is also extremely unfair that this salary increment offer is only linked to the basic salary. This means it excludes medical aid and other benefits like car allowance, whilst the senior management packages will always be inclusive of these benefits. It is a disaster with the police as recently Polmed-the police medical aid increased premiums whilst there is no increase in benefits. We call upon the government to be an exemplary employer, there is no way that public servants will be motivated if they are being paid peanuts. Although there is no justification for bribery and shoddy service rendered, we must avoid at all costs instances that will expose public servants to temptation. Together we will make the difference Joseph Matam |