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A nationwide protest is set for South Africa on Thursday morning, 10 November 2022, with public servants determined to have their voices heard and demands met.
The mass action stems from a deadlock in salary increase negotiations between public servants and the South African Government.
On 31 October 2022, Newcastillian News reported on how public servants gathered outside the Madadeni Hospital to picket in support of the salary negotiations.
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However, with the deadlock between the unions and the government sector continuing, public servants will now embark on mass industrial action across the country.
The Public Servants Association (PSA), representing some 235 000 members in the Public Service sector, with the support of the Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa), confirmed the national strike for 10 November 2022.
According to PSA, the strike will have a serious impact on the activities of departments, especially Home Affairs, Transport, and Border Control.
Furthermore, the PSA stated this will be the first major Public-Service strike since 2010.
“The PSA issued the Union’s strike notice on 24 October 2022 after a deadlock was reached in salary negotiations following government’s offer of a 3% increase and discontinuation of the cash gratuity after 31 March 2023. The PSA has demanded a revised offer of a 6.5% increase and the continuation of the cash gratuity beyond 31 March 2023,” the union explained in a statement.
“Public servants, like other employees and taxpayers, are feeling the severe effects of major price increases for fuel, transport, and food as well as interest rate hikes. The cash gratuity, which is not pensionable and thus not an ultimate solution, assisted public servants, and if retained beyond March 2023, will further assist public servants who have not received a salary increase for the past three years,” declared the PSA.
The union believes it is of critical importance that members demonstrate their dissatisfaction by participating in the nationwide march tomorrow.
“It is time for PSA members to stand up and be counted. The PSA urges members (non-essential services) to participate in the marches to display the dissatisfaction and frustration with the way public servants are being treated by government,” requested the Union.
Moreover, those who would like to join the PSA’s Pietermaritzburg Office convening at King Dinizulu Park, Durban, from 8 am, will be supplied transport.
PSA confirmed that the bus transport pick-ups for members to participate in this march, will be as follows:
- * Paulpietersburg CHC Clinic at 4 am.
- * Vryheid SAPS at 5am.
- * Ncome Prison at 5:30 am.
- * Nquthu Hospital at 6 am (One bus).
- * Utrecht Hospital at 4 am.
- * Waterval Prison at 4:30 am.
- * Osizweni Blue Garage at 5am.
- * Madadeni Hospital at 5:30am.
- * Newcastle Shell Garage at 6 am (One Bus).
- * Dundee Caltex Garage at 5 am.
- * Glencoe Community Hall at 5:30 am.
- * Dannhauser Social Development at 6 am (One Bus).
- * Pomeroy Post Office at 5 am.
- * Tugela Ferry Hospital 5:30 am.
- * Greytown Engen Garage next to the Mall at 6 am (One Bus).
- * Ladysmith Post Office at 5 am.
- * Ezakheni Caltex Garage at 6am.
- * Estcourt Sasol Garage and Estcourt Hospital at 6:30 am.
- * Mooi River Engen Garage next to Spar at 7 am (One Bus).
Speaking with local authorities, Newcastle SAPS spokesperson, Lizzy Arumugam explained that a march is expected in Newcastle on Thursday. However, she said, “Police will be present and will be monitoring the situation.”
With all this happening tomorrow, what are your thoughts? Will you be travelling to Durban to join in on the event?
Share your views in the comment section below.
