By Johnathan Paoli
Public sector unions affiliated to Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) have declared an all-out rejection of the sharp increases in Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) contributions for 2026, warning that public servants will not “absorb unjustified cost pressures in silence” as they prepare a programme of mass action.
Briefing the media at the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) in Centurion on Sunday, unions including HOSPERSA, NAPTOSA, NATU, PEU, PSA, SAOU and SAPU said the decision by GEMS to impose a 9.8% contribution increase from January, followed by a revised 9.5% adjustment from 1 April, as unacceptable.
GEMS is the largest restricted medical scheme in South Africa, with over 880 000 principal members and more than 2,4 million beneficiaries.
“These trade unions represent hundreds of thousands of public servants across critical and essential public services. We stand united in rejecting a contribution increase that is economically
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