Richards Bay SARS branch closed amid strike action
Workers have downed tools over failed wage negotiations
SEVERAL SARS branches, including Richards Bay, were forced to close this week as thousands of employees downed tools in a wage dispute.
SARS employees affiliated to the Public Servants’ Association (PSA) and National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) embarked on strike action on Tuesday after failed negotiations.
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The revenue service said, although it is open to further negotiations, the current demand of a 7% wage increase is “unaffordable” at this stage.
“The dispute arose because of trade unions’ rejection of the available R70-million for baseline increases for bargaining unit employees.
“SARS has communicated that it does not decide on its own funding, but is dependent on an annual allocation made through a process managed by National Treasury.
“The demand of labour of CPI plus 7% is simply unaffordable until further funding,” said a Sars statement.
With tax season in full swing, taxpayers have been urged to avoid visiting branches and utilise digital platforms where possible.
“SARS has put business continuity plans and other contingencies in place to continue delivering essential service to taxpayers.
“While some branches had to close down owing to the absence of workers, overall taxpayers have continued to interact with the organisation through the wide range of online services.”
Unions have, however, vowed to intensify the strike action until their demands are met.
“SARS has left us with no option but to mobilise our mass power and take our battle to the streets. This is the only power we have as workers in fighting unfair working conditions,” said Nehawu General-Secretary Zola Saphetha.
“We have been negotiating in good faith and with much patience. Sars has stalled and negotiated in bad faith.
“It is for these reasons we cannot delay the struggle to better the working conditions of our members and workers in general.”
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