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Johannesburg - The Public Servants Association has requested that the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) open wage negotiations, the PSA said in on Monday.
"Representing some 214 000 public sector employees, the PSA has requested the PSCBC to open wage negotiations for 2011/12, in an effort to align negotiations with the state's budget process and finalise the matter as soon as possible before May 1, 2011," spokesperson Stella Frisby said.
"The PSA, after consulting with members and with due consideration of various pressing issues, requested the PSCBC to place the item on the agenda of its next meeting with a view to conclude an agreement as soon as possible."
The PSA's request includes that public servants' salaries "are not eroded by rising food, electricity and transport costs".
"Our demands also address issues impacting on public servants' standard of living including fair housing allowances, danger allowances, overtime, medical subsidy, recognition of qualifications, long service awards and pension improvements", said PSA Deputy General Manager, Manie de Clercq.
Some of the demands include that the housing allowance be increased to R1 650 per month and a full housing subsidy be allocated to each individual employee, irrespective of whether the person is married to a public servant or not.
The threshold for the calculation of overtime rate must also be removed and the overtime rate must be calculated on the basis of an employee's salary notch.
"Alternatively, we are proposing uncapped overtime payment for professional and scarce skills occupational groups as well as essential services irrespective of the employee's salary level", said De Clercq.
The PSA is also demanding an increase in the spouse's pension from 50% of the pension of the member concerned, to 80%.
"The PSA's wage demands are based solely on the mandate of our members, substantiated by their real needs. Every effort should be made to get negotiations on track to ensure a speedy outcome", said De Clercq.
