15 March 2023
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) met today to receive feedback on the latest negotiations which took place yesterday, the 14th of March 2023.
The NEC noted the update on the negotiations that have been going on since 17 February 2023. The NEC rejected the lies peddled in the media that the improved offer from 4,7% to 7% which takes into account the cash gratuity of R1000 after tax into notch increase is the yield of an industrial action by the Unions who are boycotting the negotiations.
This improvement came out of focused negotiations with the employer while others have been issuing statements advising the public that they were effectively boycotting the legitimate process.
The NEC noted that labour as a collective consisting of SADTU and FEDUSA affiliated unions are demanding an improved offer. “Tell no lies and claim easy victory,” said the NEC. The NEC is going to take the latest offer to all members on the ground as per our constitution while pursuing an improved offer from the current 7%.
The NEC further noted the attempt by the new Public Service and Administration minister Noxolo Kiviet and the PSCBC General Secretary, Frikkie De Bruin to undermine the constitution of the PSCBC. The flouting of the PSCBC constitution by this Minister will collapse the negotiations, undermine collective bargaining and we shall not hesitate to act in defence of the democratic platforms we have created.
We warn the Minister of DPSA not to undermine the law and promote anarchy. All Unions must engage in the constituted Council that complies with the constitution of the PSCBC.
The NEC has instructed the Negotiators to call for a Council meeting to continue with negotiations without further delays. The NEC was emphatic that no amount of insults and intimidation would distract our union from pursuing the members’ demands.
To the Minister be warned; SADTU is not going to allow any bullying by you or anyone else for that matter.
ISSUED BY: SADTU Secretariat