The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has confirmed that members of the Public Servants Association (PSA) and National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) have resumed their strike action, which was temporarily suspended in May. The unions are demanding a wage increase of CPI plus 7%, which SARS has said is unaffordable until it receives further funding. 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 strike is expected to continue until SARS improves its wage offer.
SARS has put business continuity plans and other contingencies in place to continue to deliver essential services to taxpayers. While some branches have had to close due to absence of workers, taxpayers have continued to interact with the organization through online services. SARS has rescheduled most of the appointments that were scheduled before the strike started. Taxpayers are encouraged to avoid coming to a SARS office and to utilize the website for updates on how to engage with SARS to fulfill their required obligations.
SARS will always respect the constitutionally protected right of workers to strike within the strict provisions of the law, whilst at the same time fulfilling its legal mandate and serving taxpayers and traders. The “no work, no pay” rule will apply for those employees participating in the industrial action. SARS appeals to labor to remain peaceful in their protest and to respect picketing rules as specified in the CCMA Picketing Rules issued.
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. SARS remains willing to continue engagements with the trade unions on the offer as well as the broader Employee Value Proposition.
For more information, please contact [email protected] or visit https://www.pagsa.org.za/2023/06/10/nf-2022-33-sars-notice-services-during-strike/.