GEMS offered bilateral talks to trade unions including Cosatu, Fedusa and the PSA following a dispute over premium hikes of 9.5%, reported Business Day (10 March 2026).
In 2025 the increase was 13.4%, while public servants received only a 5.5% pay raise for the 2025/26 cycle.
Unions are demanding structural changes and a forensic audit to scrutinise governance, procurement and administrative practices. They also want members to have the freedom to choose other medical schemes without losing their state subsidies.
Meanwhile, the GEMS Board argues that the premium hikes are essential to maintain the statutory solvency ratio of 25%.