his is an update to our members on the non-Implementation of the PSCBC Resolution 1 of 2018 “Agreement on the Salary Adjustments and Improvements on Conditions of Service for the period 2018/19; 2019/20 and 2020/21.
We, the following COSATU Public Service Unions: POPCRU, SADTU, DENOSA, PAWUSA, SAEPU & SAMA wish to bring to the attention of our members that following several attempts to break the impasse with the Employer on their failure to implement Public Service Co-ordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) Resolution 1 of 2018 to the latter, a dispute was referred in terms of the PSCBC constitution and the dispute resolution Clause 10 as provided for in the agreement itself on the 16th April 2020.
The deliberate disregard of the provisions of the collective agreement including but not limited to Clause 11 of the Agreement is foreign in the public collective bargaining regime. We strongly view this as undermining the spirit of bargaining in good faith.
We collectively resolved, after all attempts to persuade the employer to respect the collective agreement, that we should refer the matter for dispute resolution. We have stated in our referral forms that the matter was very urgent and that the PSCBC should consider any available avenues including internet-based platforms in compliance with the lockdown regulations. This is how much we view the seriousness of the matter.
The delay by the Council to respond to our desperate situation will be attended to after the lockdown so that we strengthen the capacity of the Council to enforce the collective agreements signed and treat all parties with respect.
We have done all these in defense of our hard-fought labour rights including the right to collectively bargain.
The dispute is finally set down from the 28-30 April 2020 for conciliation and our team is hard at work to prepare for the defense of the collective agreement.
We wish to indicate that we are meticulously following on the Dispute Resolution mechanisms, as set out in the constitution of the PSCBC and members, shall be kept abreast from time to time on the developments regarding the Dispute processes.
We want to reiterate to our members that we will do everything within our power to resolve and win this impasse. We urge all our members not to be misled by fake news and misinformation peddled in the public. Our unity is our strength and our solidarity with one another is what will make us win the battles that lie ahead.
Issued by the JMC on behalf of the above-mentioned COSATU Public Service Unions.
CONTACT:
Mugwena Maluleke COSATU JMC Co-Ordinator, 0827832968