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The HSRC regrets the notification by the PSA that its members intend to embark on industrial action on 17 November. "The research and administration staff of the HSRC receive highly competitive remuneration packages including comprehensive benefits, which are adjusted each year to stay ahead of inflation", said Dr Orkin, CEO of the HSRC. "In addition, nearly three-quarters of staff have qualified for awards in the annual performance appraisals", he noted. During conciliation, the HSRC management made a settlement offer of a 5.4% increase, reflecting CPIX in the agreed reference month of May plus a further one percent. Performance awards paid from midyear added another 1.6% to the ongoing salary bill. The union's response was "not promising", to drop just one tenth of a percent to 6.9%. Dr Orkin noted that it was misleading to compare HSRC annual adjustments with those in the public service. The HSRC average salary is more than double that in the public service, and every HSRC employee enjoys a full housing and medical aid allowance.
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