The National Education, Health, and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) has been at the forefront of wage negotiations with the South African government, particularly concerning salary adjustments for public sector workers.
This article delves into whether there will be a salary increase for NEHAWU members in 2024, the ongoing disputes, and the outcomes of recent negotiations.
Background on NEHAWU’s Wage Disputes
NEHAWU, along with other trade unions, has been involved in intense negotiations with the Department of Public Services and Administration over wage increases.
The union’s reluctance to sign the 2024/2025 wage adjustment agreement stems from unresolved issues from previous years, specifically the 2022/2023 wage increase dispute.
Previous Wage Disputes and NEHAWU’s Stance
- 2022/2023 Dispute: In 2022/2023, the government implemented a 3% wage increase, which NEHAWU criticized as being far below the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The union argued that the increase did not reflect the rising cost of living and failed to meet workers’ demands.
- Refusal to Sign 2024/2025 Agreement: NEHAWU refused to sign the 2024/2025 wage adjustment agreement, citing the need to resolve the 2022/2023 dispute before moving forward with new negotiations. The union maintained that the previous year’s issues must be addressed to ensure fair treatment of workers.
The 2024/2025 Negotiations and Outcomes
Despite NEHAWU’s refusal, the government reached an agreement with other trade unions, resulting in a 7.5% salary increase for the 2024/2025 financial year.
The negotiations for this increase started in February 2024 and concluded on March 31, 2024. NEHAWU, along with unions like POPCRU, DENOSA, and SAPU, did not sign this agreement due to ongoing grievances from prior years.
The March 2024 Strike and Subsequent Negotiations
NEHAWU initiated a strike on March 6, 2024, to protest the unresolved wage issues. The strike intensified by March 13, pushing the government to reopen discussions on the 2022/2023 salary disputes. Despite this, the government’s position remained firm, leading to a stalemate in negotiations.
Will NEHAWU Members See a Salary Increase in 2024?
As of now, NEHAWU members may not see the same salary increase as other public sector workers due to the union’s refusal to sign the 2024/2025 wage adjustment agreement.
While other unions accepted the 7.5% increase, NEHAWU’s members are in a more uncertain position. The union continues to push for resolution of the 2022/2023 disputes, which it sees as a prerequisite to any further wage agreements.
NEHAWU’s Agreement with South African Associations of Water Utilities
On a different note, NEHAWU did secure a 7% wage increase with the South African Associations of Water Utilities on August 3, 2024.
This indicates that while NEHAWU is facing challenges in public sector negotiations, it is still successfully negotiating wage increases in other sectors.
The salary increase for NEHAWU members in 2024 remains uncertain due to the union’s stance on unresolved issues from previous years.
While other unions have accepted a 7.5% increase for 2024/2025, NEHAWU is focused on addressing past grievances before agreeing to new terms.
The outcome of these ongoing negotiations will determine whether NEHAWU members will see an increase in 2024.
FAQs
Why did NEHAWU refuse to sign the 2024/2025 wage increase agreement?
NEHAWU refused to sign due to unresolved issues from the 2022/2023 wage increase, which they believe should be settled before new negotiations.
What salary increase was agreed upon by other unions for 2024/2025?
Other unions agreed to a 7.5% salary increase for the 2024/2025 financial year.
Did NEHAWU secure any wage increases in 2024?
Yes, NEHAWU secured a 7% increase with the South African Associations of Water Utilities in August 2024.
What was NEHAWU’s main grievance with the 2022/2023 wage increase?
NEHAWU argued that the 3% increase in 2022/2023 was below the CPI and did not adequately address the rising cost of living.
Will NEHAWU members receive a salary increase in 2024?
It remains uncertain as NEHAWU has not signed the 2024/2025 agreement, focusing instead on resolving previous disputes.
