SABC salaries up 11.5%

2008-07-24 15:40

Johannesburg - The SABC on Thursday reached a multi-term wage agreement with labour unions for the next three fiscal years.

All parties - the broadcaster, the Media Workers Association of SA and the Communication Workers Unions - agreed on an 11.5% increase for the year 2008/9, said SABC spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago.

This was the largest percentage increase given by the SABC to its employees in the last 17 years and was above the average wage settlement, which stood between 7.4% and eight percent.

Kganyago said the parties also agreed on revised incentives for long service awards.

"The SABC recognises that its loyal employees play a vital role in achieving its business objectives," he said.

"These awards will play a significant role in recognising the value of employees to the corporation."

They would also serve as a means to cement and nurture the partnership with employees at regular intervals during their careers at the SABC, said Kganyago.

Acting SABC Group CEO Gab Mampane said the SABC was mindful of the economic landscape in agreeing to the percentage.

He said the multi-term agreement allowed the SABC and the respective unions to have the time and space to deal with other labour issues such as transformation.

The broadcaster said it would continue to strive to improve working conditions and position itself as the "preferred employer of choice".

- SAPA