Baloyi: Wage deal a positive step

Johannesburg – Public Service and Administration Minister Richard Baloyi said late on Tuesday he welcomed the signing of a wage agreement by 66% of public sector unions.
 
With the majority of unions having signed yesterday, the wage deal will now be implemented.
    
The wage settlement provides for a salary increase of 7.5% and a housing allowance of R800 per month with effect from July 1 2010.
    
Baloyi said he welcomed the signing of the wage settlement offer by 66% of unions as represented in the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council so far.
    
"Whilst an opportunity still exists for further signatories to the offer, the majority signature instructs us to implement the resolution," Baloyi said in a statement.
    
"I have therefore instructed the acting director-general for the Department of Public Service and Administration to commence with processing the payment immediately," Baloyi added.
 
Baloyi said the signing of the offer was a positive step that paved the way for "us to continue to work collectively with labour in addressing other pressing matters in our ongoing negotiations".
    
Government signed the agreement on September 13 and gave unions 21 working days to consult their members on its wage offer.
    
However, by Wednesday last week only 36% of the unions, falling short of the required 50% plus 1% majority.
    
Others requested Baloyi to extend the deadline as they wanted to consult further with their members.