Public sector unions lower wage demand to 10%

The talks between mediators and public sector unions are finally underway

Public sector unions have officially lowered their pay rise demand from 12% to 10%. Don Pasquallie, the spokesperson for unions, says they have done so to facilitate negotiations. He was speaking at the public service coordinating bargaining council in Centurion, where pay talks with government resumed this afternoon.

Two mediators are officiating in the fresh round of negotiations.

Government is keeping mum on the news that public service unions have lowered their salary demands. Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, the public service minister, says government does not wish to comment at this stage.

A 6.5% salary offer from government is already on the table.

Unions started striking more than a week day in support of a 12% salary hike. Schools and public hospitals have been badly affected and government has deployed defence force troops at flashpoints.