EMPLOYER EARLY RETIREMENT PROGRAMME (ERP)
Parties to the council finally concluded on the Early Retirement Programme that took several rounds of consultations and engagements.
The draft collective agreement that was formally tabled by the employer was finally rejected by SADTU and other parties collectively. one of the reasons why SADTU rejected the draft collective agreement is as a result of public Service Act 16(6) provided that” An Executive Authority may, at the request of an employee, allow him or her to retire from the public service before reaching the age of 60 years” and therefore our stance remains that this is a consultative rather than a bargaining matter.
SADTU warns that the expected loss of 15 000+ government positions would have a devastating effect on schools, as it would include many senior educators aged between 55 and 63, and amongst these would be principals, deputy principal, departmental heads. These are the people who provide guidance and mentorship to schools.
The consultation concluded with the employer confirming that implementation will proceed without a signed resolution with the following key assurance:
- Voluntary Participation: No employee will be forced into an early retirement.
- No employee will be left worse-off: Guiding principles aim to guide the programme.
- Application scrutiny: All applications will be subjected to approval.
- Ghost Employees: Employer to validate and verify the issue of ghost employees prior the implementation.
A circular outlining the process and timelines will be issued by the Department of Public Service and administration along with standard operating procedures by various department that shall provide clarity into the implementation of the ERP.
SADTU will update you on progress as it is received.
ISSUED BY SADTU SECRETARIAT