R30-billion being paid to public sector workers
Fin24 says South African taxpayers are footing a R30-billion wage bill to keep public servants employed and Lindiwe Sisulu, the new public service minister says this is already R1,8-billion more than was budgeted for salaries.
She is embroiled in a dispute with unions over demands from public servants for higher wages. The government has offered them an increase of 9% comprising a 6,5% wage increase and a 2,5% increase in benefits.
Unions are demanding an 8% salary hike and an increase in the housing allowance from R800 to R1 500 a month. Sisulu has invited union representatives to meet with her for further discussions after talks broke down last week.
Read 'Sisulu: Salaries to cost state R30bn' on www.fin24.com.
Read 'State invites labour back to negotiate' on www.fin24.com.
Read the full article on www.businessday.co.za.