The South African Revenue Service (SARS) says the strike by the National Education Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) and the Public Servants Association (PSA) caused minimal disruptions on Tuesday.
The unions embarked on an industrial action, following its
temporary suspension by the PSA in May, and union leadership has indicated that
they intend to remain on strike until SARS improves its wage offer.
Unions are demanding salaries to be adjusted based on the
October 2021 CPI plus 7% across the board, backdated to April this year.
This while the taxman isn’t budging from its offer of a
1.39% increment.
‘’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,’’ it said in a statement.
‘’SARS remain empathetic to financial challenges caused by
increasing food and fuel prices as well as other essential services. These
conditions affect majority of South Africans including SARS employees,’’ it
added.
The revenue service says while some of its branches had to
close due to absence of workers, overall taxpayers have continued to interact
with the organistion online.
“Sars has furthermore put business continuity plans and
other contingencies in order to continue to deliver essential service to
taxpayers. We urge the public to utilize our website for further updates on how
to engage with Sars to fulfil their required obligations.
It urged taxpayers to avoid going to a SARS office It has
also urged the unions to protest peacefully.
“Sars has demonstrated transparency in its financial
position and willingness to engage the union leadership on ending the impasse. Sars
has done everything in its power and within the available funding to extend the
offer to trade unions, which remains available,’’ it said.
PICTURE: SARSDone By: Mitchum George
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