The Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) has seven days to respond to the Public Servants Association’s demands to withdraw the 9.8% contribution hike for 2026, and for the scheme’s management to step down, reports eNCA.
Members of the PSA who marched through Durban last week in protest have slammed the increase, which they said outpaces inflation and wage growth, undermines affordable healthcare, and was imposed without proper consultation.
Nondumiso Mvubo, chairperson of the union’s health and social development branch, said workers were struggling.
“We pay about R7 000 and yet they say the employer is subsidising it. But when you compare it to other schemes, R7 000 is a very high premium… maybe with Discovery, if you are not subsidised, that is the kind of amount you would pay. But where exactly is the government support if we are paying such large amounts and are told we are being subsidised?”
The PSA said it has given GEMS time to rethink the hike, but is growing frustrated as the scheme continues to defend the increase, ignoring opposition from public sector unions.
Members also want GEMS management to step down, saying they are “very arrogant”.
eNCA article – GEMS has seven days to respond to union demands (Open access)
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