In a quest to avoid a strike on the eve of the 2019 general election, the government has tabled a draft wage agreement with several proposals favourable to labour unions. The implementation of these proposals could lead to a surge in the public wage bill, which the Treasury has been trying to contain. Trade unionists say the coming election was not the only factor that pushed the government to return to negotiations with a renewed mandate. Cosatu, the biggest bloc at the public sector bargaining council, backed Cyril Ramaphosa during his 2017 campaign to lead the governing party. The stakes were high for both the deputy president and the unions, but insiders said the federation did not want to challenge Ramaphosa on the streets. The details were contained in a draft agreement, seen by Business Day, which was tabled by government negotiators at the Public Service Co-ordinating Bargaining Council last week. Although there was no agreement on salary adjustments, the government has give...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.