GEORGE BUSINESS NEWS - The George branch of the SA Revenue Services (Sars) is turning clients away as a number of employees have gone on strike as part of the Nehawu national strike that started today.
Nehawu (National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union) called a strike after negotiations with Sars since November last ended in a deadlock.
Certain services at the George branch are continuing, apparently thanks to a small number of officials who are working. Some clients were asked to return on another day.
One woman from Oudtshoorn was unhappy because she had to meet a Sars deadline, but could not be assisted. Because of uncertainty as to the duration of the strike, she left none the wiser about what to do or when she could expect service.
Comment is being awaited from the Sars media desk.
Nehawu demands salary raises of 11,4%, as well as compensation in the form of a 1% increase to recognise improved qualifications of employees. They further want a 10% bonus and demand changes to family responsibility leave and pre-natal and vaccination leave, among others.
Nehawu said in a statement that even with the involvement of the CCMA (Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration) an agreement could not be reached and it said it was "clear" that "we are dealing with an employer who is hell-bent on negotiating in bad faith".
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