SARS has welcomed the suspension of the industrial action that forced the closure of 18 of its branches across the country. Photo: Gallo Images / Charles Gallo
SARS update: It’s GOOD news as employees return to work after wage negotiations
SARS has welcomed the suspension of the industrial action that forced the closure of 18 of its branches across the country.
SARS has welcomed the suspension of the industrial action that forced the closure of 18 of its branches across the country. Photo: Gallo Images / Charles Gallo
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) on Friday announced that unions have suspended their strike at the tax body and have reported for duty as the wage negotiations process continues.
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The Public Servants Association (PSA) and the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) have been engaged in negotiations with SARS since May this year.
SARS reported that as many as 18 of its branches had not been operational, resulting in delays in servicing taxpayers and pushing more people to use digital services.
“In light of this announcement by the two unions, striking employees are back at work, and SARS operations, including trade facilitation at our borders, are continuing as usual,” said SARS in a welcome announcement on Friday.
“The suspension of the industrial action affords all parties the opportunity to work towards progressing the negotiations and related discussions towards settling the dispute,” added SARS.
“A follow-up discussion, as well as the National Bargaining process, will be scheduled soon to continue the engagements.”
SARS staff first embarked on a strike in May, when employees and SARS could not settle on a wage agreement.
SARS proposed a wage increase of just 1.39%, saying it was simply not able to meet the labour demands of CPI plus 7%.
