Cape Town – The SA Revenue Service (Sars) agreed to implement an across-the-board wage increase of 1.5% for permanent employees in the bargaining unit, backdated to April 1 2022.
On Wednesday Sars announced that after engaging with organised labour, it made a proposal to reach a final settlement.
“The slight adjustment to the across-the-board proposal is possible due to projected savings from a delay in recruitment against an initial plan. In the spirit of transparency and a commitment to resolving the dispute, Sars Management has decided to allocate the savings towards the increased salary proposal.
“Parties agreed that the unions embark on a mandate-seeking process on this offer.
“Strike action was suspended by the Public Servants Association (PSA) during this mandate-seeking process, while NEHAWU has not formally communicated its intentions to Sars.
“Sars has noted with concern various isolated incidents of intimidation and violence committed by some strikers, and it will take necessary action against the strikers that are violating its Code of Conduct, and/or those who have broken the law.
“Sars has put contingency measures in place to mitigate the negative impact on services as far as possible.
“We thank taxpayers for their patience during this challenging period, and apologise unreservedly for any delayed response to service requests.
“We request taxpayers and traders, as far as possible, to avoid coming to Sars branches, but to instead continue to interact with Sars through our self-help digital channels.
“The movement of cargo from the land and sea ports of entry have continued without any hindrance.”
Cape Times