# Union federation Cosatu says the Government Employees Medical Scheme has undermined collective bargaining by informing members directly that the Council for Medical Schemes rejected a proposal to reduce the 2026 contribution increase to 7.5-percent. The federation’s Zanele Sabela says GEMS bypassed organised labour and the Public Service Co-ordinating Bargaining Council by communicating through the media and directly with workers. Sabela insists proper bargaining processes be respected:
Fresh tensions erupt between Cosatu and GEMS [SOUND]
ENG SabelaOnGems