# Public wage bill: Civil servants easy targets, say unions

- Link: https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/2020/02/26/public-wage-bill-civil-servants-easy-targets-say-unions/
- Published: 2020-02-26T15:15:56+02:00
- Author: dearSA

![](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/20191143/Screenshot-
2020-02-26T151230.385.png "Screenshot - 2020-02-26T151230.385")

JOHANNESBURG – Public servants are easy targets in goverment’s bid to trim the wage
bill. So say labour unions.

That’s while they’re accusing government of doing little to bring corrupt politicians
in the upper echelons to book.

It comes ahead of Wednesday’s budget presentation.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned government’s current debt levels are becoming
unsustainable.

The state [wants to cut 30,000 jobs](https://www.enca.com/news/sa-not-planning-mass-layoffs-public-sector-fight-recession-ramaphosa)
and freeze pay for three years.

But some experts aren’t sure.

“There’s very little room in terms of the wage bill,” said Siya Biniza, senior political
economist.

“Government has really done the most it can. Fortunately, inflation hasn’t breached
five percent over the last year.”

Unions say any proposal to cut civil servants’ wages can only be presented at the
bargaining council.

Source

eNCA

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