Unions reject Sars wage offer

Both unions embroiled in a wage dispute with the South African Revenue Service (Sars) have rejected the tax collector’s latest wage offer, they said on Tuesday.

Members of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) and the Public Servants Association (PSA) on Monday downed tools, demanding a 13% salary increase.

The unions also want a danger allowance for workers exposed to dangerous conditions and the implementation of appropriate career paths.

Sars offered workers a wage hike of between 9% and 11% on a sliding scale for employees of respective grades.

The other demands were ignored by the revenue service, which is the main reason the PSA has rejected the offer, said deputy general manager Manie de Clercq.

“Members will tomorrow [Wednesday] down tools once again,” he said.

In a letter to Sars informing it that Nehawu members had rejected the pay increase, the union urged Sars to present a revised offer.

“We have sent a letter to Sars saying the members have rejected the offer, the strike will continue till Friday.

We are now seeking a revised offer from the employer,” said spokesperson Sizwe Pamla.

“We are hoping that Sars will present a revised wage offer in line with our demands and we remain committed to further negotiations and the speedy resolution of the dispute, but we are not about to compromise on the demands of our members.”

Sars spokesperson Adrian Lackay said members of the PSA had returned to work on Tuesday, however, Nehawu members had not.—Sapa