SA Revenue Service has warned the industry of industrial action-related disruptions at some of its borders after workers embarked on strike action yesterday (May 25).
The highest impact is likely to be felt at Beitbridge, Groblersbrug, Lebombo, Oshoek, Maseru, Vioolsdrift, Kopfontein and Golela
“Sars and its recognised trade unions, ie, National Education Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) and the Public Servants’ Association of South Africa (PSA), are in dispute on its 2022/23 wage negotiations process,” according to a statement issued by Sars outlining the background to the developments.
The stalemate led to the CCMA issuing Picketing Rules, and the Sars trade unions issued a notice of industrial action. The strike action includes picketing at locations designated in the Picketing Rules.
Sars has put in place contingency measures to ensure uninterrupted rendering of customs services, and the protection of infrastructure, officers, and clients.
“We will ensure that the following capabilities remain available throughout the duration of the anticipated industrial action:
· The processing of declarations will proceed as normal;
· Physical inspections of goods will continue as normal;
· Border operations will proceed as normal with the available staff supported by senior officials deployed from head office and the regions.”
The revenue authority has encouraged clients to make use of alternative ports should the need arise – and to visit the Sars website regularly for updates.
Additional resources have been allocated to the OSC@sars.gov.za mailbox to attend to urgent queries and escalations. The turnaround time (TAT) for OSC escalations will be six hours.
Strike impact will be updated daily at 08:00, 12:00 and 17:00 on a dedicated page, which can be accessed here:
