Unions and government meet for final negotiations

By Chanel September
28 May 2007

The last attempt to avoid the striking of more than one million public servants will be made on Monday when Cosatu affiliates, independent unions and government meet in a special roundtable meeting.

The ongoing dispute between the unions and government drawn fever-pitch as unions demand a 12% salary increase with improved benefits apposed to government only offering 6%.

On Friday thousands of public sector employees united in cities across the country in support for the 12% increase, it was also a forerunner of what could be expected on June 1 if an agreement is not reached.

According to reports the unions are prepared to drop the wage demand to some extent but will remain firm on other demands.

“We are hoping for a significant improved offer from government when we meet for negotiations so that a satisfactory outcome can be achieved”, says National spokesperson for Cosatu Patrick Craven.