Govt's 3% wage offer 'disgusting and embarrassing'

JOHANNESBURG - The Public Servants’ Association (PSA) has hit out at government’s wage offer of 3% as the marathon wage negotiations kick off this week.

Government’s offer is four times less than the 12% demand by unions representing the country’s public servants.

In addition to the cost-of-living adjustment, unions are also demanding a range of other benefits, including an increase in danger and housing allowances.

National manager for the PSA, Claude Naicker, has accused government of low-balling workers.

"The PSA and other organised unions are totally infuriated by the offer by the employer. We have rejected the 3% offer. We will continue to engage the employers and hopefully, the employer can see some sense that offering a 3% is totally disgusting and embarrassing."