Sars, unions reach interim agreement to stop strike

The South African Revenue Service (Sars) and two public sector unions reached an interim agreement to suspend strike action on Friday, Sars said.

“Sars approached the Labour Court this morning to apply for [an] urgent interdict in order to prevent the planned strike action [due to start on Monday],” Sars spokesperson Adrian Lackay said in a statement.

“Both the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union [Nehawu] and the Public Servants Association [PSA] agreed outside of the court process to resume wage negotiations.”

These wage negotiations will now take place this Saturday and Sunday at the national bargaining forum (NBF).

“Sars will formally table a revised wage offer at the NBF.”

Lackay said Sars would no longer apply for the interdict.

“Both unions agreed to inform their members that the strike has been suspended, pending further negotiations.”

He said any Sars official who did go on strike on Monday would face disciplinary action.

“Sars will view these actions as part of an unprotected, illegal strike action.”—Sapa