ANA reports that an application by Social Development Minister Susan Shabangu to interdict striking SA Social Security Agency (Sassa) employees was due to be heard at Johannesburg's labour court on Tuesday.
Thousands of members of the Public Servants Association (PSA) downed tools over wages at the agency on Monday, leading to a shutdown of social grant disbursements. They were also demanding concessions on housing, leave, danger allowance, performance management, and the insourcing of some services. The union is seeking a 12% wage hike and, because salary matters at the agency are governed by the Sassa Act, wants to be allowed to negotiate for its members directly with Shabangu. A 7% wage increase agreement was signed in respect of other public sector workers last month. The Sassa strike has affected July social grants payments, with some beneficiaries failing to receive their grants. The PSA’s Ivan Fredericks said they would not back down on their demands and planned to intensify the strike nationwide.
- Read this report by Getrude Makhafola in full at IOL News
- See too, Shabangu heads to Labour Court to stop Sassa workers strike, at EWN
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page