There is no need for trade unions to "prepare for war with government" over alleged impending job cuts in the public service.
Public Service and Administration Deputy Minister, Dr Chana Pilane-Majake, used the Public Service Co-ordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) Indaba Gala Dinner on Thursday to once again allay fears regarding claims of public service retrenchments.
“We want to reiterate, contrary to media reports, that there is no retrenchment of workers in the public sector,” she said.
The Deputy Minsiter said the department’s recently launched Graduate Recruitment Scheme is not aimed at retrenching seasoned public servants.
“The DPSA launched a Graduate Recruitment Program that is in line with the spirit of the wage agreement.
“The program is aimed at retraining all young graduates as a step towards removal of barriers to entry in the public service and promoting public service as an employer of choice.
“The aim is not to lay off seasoned professionals in the public service but to continue to recognise their ability, skill and experience acquired over a number of years. Youth will draw from the experience to harness their ability to do the job,” she said.
In July Public Service and Administration Minister Ayanda Dlodlo unveiled scheme to help curb the high numbers of graduate unemployment in the country following its approval by Cabinet in December last year.
The Deputy Minister dispelled media reports claiming that government is planning to lay off 30,000 public servants in the next three years as part of cost-cutting measures.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Minster said government was in the process of revising DPSA circulars on leave and housing in accordance with the wage agreement.
The leave determination policy has been amended to make provisions for surrogacy and shop stewards. The circulars on Family responsibility leave and spousal delinking of housing allowance are also being revised.
With regards to corruption, she that emphasised discipline and consequence management should be prioritised to deal with rampant corruption in government offices. She added that workers should lead in this regard.
The PSCBC is an independent organisation whose main objective is to maintain sound labour relations in the Public Service.
