Correctional services OKs OSD
2009-06-24 20:07
Johannesburg - An agreement on Occupation Specific Dispensation has been signed between government and labour in the correctional services sector, the Public Service Co-ordinating Bargaining Council said on Wednesday.
The negotiations between the government, the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) and the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) concluded early on Tuesday morning.
The agreement was signed on Wednesday.
Popcru spokesperson Benzi ka-Soko said the union was happy with the agreement, which was accepted by leadership and union members.
The agreement introduced OSD - a revised salary structure unique to different occupations in the public service - for centre based and non-centre based correctional services officials.
At a media briefing on Friday, the PSCBC said agreements on the OSD were still outstanding for doctors, correctional service officers, architects and engineers.
Cosatu sees end to strike
The Congress of SA Trade Unions believed the deadline for government and labour to agree on the implementation of the Occupation Specific Dispensation would "definitely" be met.
"They are moving very well, within the speed limits, so we are quite satisfied with the progress," said Cosatu president Sidumo Dlamini.
The PSCBC had set a strict time frame for negotiations in the various sectors on the implementation of OSD to conclude, with the final deadline on June 30.
Agreements had already been reached between the social development department and unions. An agreement was signed to put the OSD into effect for all social service professions and occupations backdated to April 1, 2008.
Government tabled a renewed offer for doctors on Wednesday which, if accepted, would put an end to industrial action by the essential service workers in various parts of the country.
- SAPA