Unions representing the South African Revenue Service (Sars) employees have vowed to continue with industrial action until the employer offers them something tangible.
The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) and the Public Servants Association (PSA) are calling on the employer to return to the negotiating table higher than 1.39%.
The unions at the beginning demanded an increased wage of 12% but revised the demand to an increase of 7%.
The impact of the strike has forced a number of branches to shut down, forcing them to operate virtually.
This week the strike entered a second week for the industrial strike across the country, workers downed tools last Tuesday, following a breakdown in wage negotiations between unions and the revenue service.
Nehawu national spokesperson Lwazi Nkolonzi said the strike continues.
“Sars has not tabled anything new either than the revised offer of 1.39% which was rejected by our members and led to the strike. The strike continues until Sars offers our members something tangible and worth considering,” said Nkolonzi.
The Public Servants Association (PSA) said the country is experiencing traffic disasters at border gates, where trucks have been queueing for days.
PSA said most border posts are operating with limited staff, creating long delays. The Beitbridge, Lebombo, Kopfontein, Groblersbridge, Maseru, and Ficksburg border posts were either completely closed or operations were severely affected.
“The PSA urges the Minister of Finance to intervene in the interest of the country that is already bending economically under crime, corruption, load shedding, and soaring cost-of-living expenses. Failure to allocate additional money to Sars will bring the economy to its knees as Sars employees can no longer be treated like slaves,” said PSA.
Sars continued to urge taxpayers to use digital platforms.
The revenue service said it apologises for any inconvenience caused but said due to the industrial action taking place across Sars, they are experiencing delays in servicing our taxpayers.
“While some of our branches and offices may be closed to the public, they will continue to honour virtual appointments, as booked. In the event that a virtual booking is not honoured please note that the branch will follow up to do the necessary service recovery. Please continue to also make use of our digital services during this time,” said Sars .
ntombi.nkosi@inl.co.za
Nehawu tabled demands:
• Salaries be adjusted using October 2021 CPI of 5% + 7%, across the board for employees within the Bargaining Unit.
• A Single Term agreement and implementation date of 1 April 2022
• On Medical Aid and Housing Allowance, full and equal medical aid and housing allowance for all employees.
• An introduction of pandemic leave of 10 working days per annum.
• A R2 000 gift (token of appreciation) to all employees
• Pay Progression - An annual adjustment upwards on the applicable pay band of 1.5% where the employee has met the required performance standard.