COSATU affiliated unions in the public sector together with the Independent Labour Caucus {ILC} have reached a deadlock with the employer in the public sector wage negotiations and they have therefore declared a dispute with government as the employer.

The unions are deeply offended by the offer that the employer has put on the table so far and they feel that it will not be helpful for them to continue with the negotiations process if there is no willingness on the side of the employer to move.

The unions have been very patient with the employer and the percentage that is on the table is totally unacceptable and also the employer's sudden somersault regarding the implementation date shows unacceptable levels of arrogance.

Members of the media are therefore invited to a press conference to announce our declaration of the dispute and our way forward.

The details of the planned conference are as follows:

Date : 10 June 2010, tomorrow

Time : 12H00

Venue : PHSDSBC Offices, 260 Basdeen Avenue Lyttelton, Centurion.