The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has reaffirmed its dedication to working with organised labour to end the current industrial action.
SARS employees have been on strike since May due to a stalemate in salary negotiations.
SARS stated in May that it lacked the resources necessary to meet the labour demand equal to CPI plus 7%.
Following negotiations with organised labour, SARS put up a plan to negotiate a binding agreement.
This contained a 1.5 percent general pay raise for all bargaining unit permanent employees, retroactive to 1 April 2022.
SARS said in a statement on Wednesday that this was subject to the National Treasury making additional cash available for the settlement agreement should the broader public sector discussions result in an increase more than the 1.5 percent.
This will serve as SARS’ guide as it modifies its offer to its employees to ensure parity.
Beyond this, the parties agreed to engage in and complete the negotiations on the larger Employee Value Proposition, which will include both financial and non-financial components, as well as on other issues brought up by the unions during the SARS National Bargaining Forum negotiations (NBF).
The small change to the overall proposal is achievable, according to SARS, because of anticipated savings from postponing hiring in comparison to the original plan.
SARS management has chosen to apply the savings to the enhanced compensation proposal in an effort to be open and committed to resolving the disagreement.
The unions will start a mandate-seeking procedure in response to this offer, the parties agreed.
The Public Servants Association (PSA) ceased strike activity throughout this mandate-seeking process, while the National Education, Health, and Allied Workers’ Union has not publicly informed SARS of its plans.
The revenue collector claimed that it had taken note of numerous isolated instances of intimidation and violence by some strikers with worry.
SARS stated that it would take the necessary steps against the strikers who are breaking the law or its code of conduct in this regard.
“SARS maintains its dedication to upholding workers’ freedom to strike. Labor law regulations require the strikers to exercise this right peacefully and to respect the rights of workers who choose to go to work and taxpayers who are trying to uphold their legal commitments.
“SARS has implemented backup plans to lessen the detrimental impact on services as much as feasible.
We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused by the delay in responding to service requests and appreciate taxpayers for their understanding during this trying time.
We ask taxpayers and traders to communicate with SARS through our self-help digital channels rather than visiting SARS branches whenever possible.
There have been no obstacles to the transportation of cargo from the ports of entry on land or by water.
The tax collector claimed that despite its own employees’ financial struggles and the rising cost of food and petrol, it still had compassion for the situation of many South Africans.
The statement added, “We remain deeply grateful to those SARS personnel who, throughout this period, contribute to our success, and for their continuous dedication to deliver the necessary service in support of our mandate.