Teacher unions, government have not reached wage agreement

JOHANNESBURG - Both Sadtu and Fedusa say no wage agreement has yet been reached.

Government is offering a 7.5 percent hike while the unions say they are still waiting for a mandate from their members.

READ: Public sector strike | Government says most unions have signed wage deal

Sadtu General Secretary Mugwena Maluleke also clarified the confusion around a settlement that was signed by some unions.

Maluleke says it was not a collective agreement but rather a settlement to ensure a smooth return to work for striking employees.

READ: Public sector strike | Unions demand better wage offer

"The unions that boycotted the negotiations processes and embarked on a strike signed a settlement agreement with the department of public service and administration to seize hostilities," says Maluleke.

"Then one minister comes out and addresses you and says the unions majority have signed a collective agreement, it is not a collective agreement," he adds.

Maluleke explains it is a settlement and not an agreement.