Teacher’s union, Sadtu, and the Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa) have clarified that not a single union has signed wage settlement agreement as previously reported.
The two unions say what was signed is a settlement agreement to end the disruptive Nehawu strike in parts of the country. However, negotiations are yet to resume once the unions receive a mandate from members.
There’s still some way to go before public wage negotiations are concluded.
Last week’s agreement effectively ending a crippling Nehawu strike may have led to confusion with some believing that a wage agreement was reached.
Sadtu General Secretary, Mugwena Maluleke, has set the record straight.
“The facts are no union has signed a 7,5% offer, to cease hostilities,” says Maluleke.
The unions had demanded a 10% increase before the strike and the government had offered a 3% increase, plus an R1 000 cash gratuity. Since then, the employer improved its offer which the unions will now be taking back to their members to seek a mandate.
“Our members are busy with mandate processes,” says Maluleke.