The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) has, after careful consideration taken a decision to withdraw its participation from the ongoing Public Service Summit currently being held at the Emperor’s Palace in Boksburg, scheduled to take place from the 28th to 31st of March 2022.

This decision is based on the fact that the employer’s ongoing and relentless attacks on collective bargaining and their efforts to erode gains from previously signed agreements continue unabated.

As a union, we are of the view that this platform will not result in anything tangible, but to create a false impression that despite the victimisation workers continue to suffer at the hands of the employer, all is well and relations are good.

At best, it is aimed at pre-determining an outcome in favour of the employer by using unions to endorse its posture of not giving public servants an increment for the coming three years.  

Whilst government has reneged from fully implementing clause 3.3 of the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBS) Resolution 1 of 2018, continues to implement austerity measures which have resulted in the non-filling of vacant funded posts and led to the reduction of the public service which is already understaffed, overworked and underpaid, this summit offers nothing that will enhance the living conditions of public servants.

Any decision taken at this platform does not in any way or form bind us.

Emanating from our Provincial Shop Steward Councils (PSCs) and Provincial Congresses respectively, our membership gave clear mandate to vigorously take up their immediate concerns without fail; all of which this summit does not serve any purpose.

POPCRU will be utilising the coming days to prepare for its upcoming Collective Bargaining and Policy Conference that will, among others map out our way forward for an envisaged program of action.

POPCRU members are urged to prepare their boots. 

Issued by POPCRU on 28/03/2022

For more information contact Richard Mamabolo on 066 135 4349