Public sector unions condemn 9.8% GEMS contribution increase

PUBLIC-sector unions have strongly rejected the average 9.8% increase in member contributions for the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) for 2026. Unions representing hundreds of thousands of public servants say the decision undermines trust and places further financial strain on workers already battling rising costs. The teachers' union, the Suid-Afrikaanse Onderwysersunie (SAOU), accused GEMS of acting in bad faith.

- SIPHESIHLE BUTHELEZI

The union argued that GEMS “has lost the trust of their 800 000 members” and continues to make “one-sided decisions” while offering no meaningful consultation or communication.

The SAOU added that it had spent much of 2025 attempting to restore confidence after a similar process played out in 2024 but said, “the unilateral approach of GEMS has demolished those efforts, and that alienation of members is widespread.”

The Public Servants Association (PSA), which represents more than 245 000 public servants and pensioners, was equally critical, describing the increase as “unilateral and exorbitant”.