The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) is concerned that after countless discussions with the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) to try resolve three critical issues- the equalisation of notches, pay progression and grade progression- there has thus far merely been constant promises by the department to resolve the matters, and no implementation has materialised.
These long outstanding matters have had and continue to affect members adversely, and as a result of budget cuts by Treasury, amounting to over R12 billion over the past five years, this has also affected security and other operations.
On the equalisation of notches
We have noted that the DCS’s failure to equalise notches between the levels must be addressed as matter of urgency, and we demand that Centre-Based Correctional Officials and Non-Centre Based Correctional Officials’ notches must be adjusted in line with the principles and objectives of GPSSBC Resolution 2 of 2009 which, its sole aim was to determine a unique salary structure that will improve the salaries of Correctional Officials, taking into consideration the danger associated with the profession.
DCS cannot continue to remunerate officials that are faced with constant danger on daily basis of dealing with hardened criminals far less than others. This abnormality must be rectified and remunerate production level in line with OSD notches.
On Pay Progression
POPCRU communicated with the DCS, enquiring on when a payment of pay-progression of 1.5% for financial year 2023/2024 to qualifying officials will be attained, and further requested feedback on the 27 November 2024. Payment of pay-progression is payable from 1st July of succeeding year after completion of PMDS and outcome moderating committees. We are yet to receive clarity on the matter, while noting that the payment of pay progression is regulated by both GPSSBC Resolution 2 of 2009 clause 8 and PSCBC Resolution 1 of 2018 clause 4. The state is the signatory to both agreements and they are binding on the DCS.
In this instance, POPCRU demands what is due to its members, and the DCS must fully comply.
On Grade Progression
POPCRU demands the payment of grade progression which is payable to qualifying Correctional Services Act appointees who have completed 8 years’ service on a salary level and have achieved above average performance rating, and to those who have completed 10 years’ service on a salary level and achieved satisfactory performance rating. We demand that DCS honour its commitment and grade progress our members in line with GPSSBC Resolution 2 of 2009 clause 10.
We have clearly stated these deserved demands, and that they must be fully implemented by latest the 13th of December 2024, failure of which will leave us with no choice but to consider further steps until such a time the above demands have been met.
Issued by POPCRU on 05/12/2024
For more information, contact;
Richard Mamabolo
Media & Communication Officer
Phone 011 242 4600/15 Fax 086 625 3054
Cell 066 135 4349
Email mamabolor@popcru.org.za