Wage Negotiations Overview
The Department of Public Service and Administration has announced the conclusion of the 2023/24 Public Service wage negotiations with the majority of Trade Unions at the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC). The negotiations resulted in a favourable outcome for Public Service employees, as the final employer offer was accepted by the majority of the unions. The agreement includes a two-year multi-term agreement for the Financial Year 2023/24 and Financial Year 2024/25, with a pensionable salary increase of 7.5% for employees on levels 1 – 12. The Department of Public Service and Administration has expressed its commitment to improving the conditions of service for public servants in the country, and the conclusion of the wage negotiations is a positive step towards achieving this goal.
Employer offer accepted by majority of Trade Unions
The Department of Public Service and Administration has concluded the 2023/24 Public Service wage negotiations with the majority of the Trade Unions at the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC). The final employer offer has been accepted by the majority of the unions and has been signed as a resolution of the Council, binding all parties to the PSCBC.
The implementation of the employer offer will be effective from 1 April 2023, and it includes a two-year multi-term agreement for the Financial Year 2023/24 and Financial Year 2024/25.
Details of the settlement agreement
Pensionable salary increases of 7.5% will be provided for employees on levels 1 – 12, which will be packaged as follows:
- The current non-pensionable cash gratuity at the value of 4.2% on the baseline will be translated into a pensionable increase.
- A nominal increase of 3.3% will be provided across the board.
- Pay progression of 1.5% for all qualifying Public Servants shall continue as per the existing dispensation across all Departments.
Implementation and effect of the agreement
The non-pensionable cash allowance will be translated into the pensionable increase on the baseline with effect from 1 April 2023, without disadvantaging any employee in terms of the cash net effect into the pocket.
The settlement agreement signed for 2023/24 marks the conclusion of the Public Service wage negotiations, providing a favourable outcome for Public Service employees. The negotiations were conducted in good faith between the employer and the majority of Trade Unions, resulting in a mutually beneficial agreement that will provide a salary increase and improved conditions of service for public servants.
Significance of the agreement
The Department of Public Service and Administration has expressed its commitment to improving the conditions of service for public servants in the country, and the conclusion of the wage negotiations is a positive step towards achieving this goal. The agreement reached will go a long way in ensuring that public servants are adequately remunerated for their services, which is vital for the effective functioning of the Public Service.
In conclusion, the successful conclusion of the Public Service wage negotiations between the employer and the majority of Trade Unions is a positive outcome for public servants. The agreement reached will provide a salary increase and improved conditions of service for public servants, and this will go a long way in ensuring the effective functioning of the Public Service in the country. The Department of Public Service and Administration should be commended for its commitment to improving the conditions of service for public servants.
