Strike shuts several Bay post offices

Only three out of the 11 post offices around Nelson Mandela Bay are open and officials say services are limited amid staff shortages due to an almost week-long strike in the sector.

Thousands of post office workers around the country, represented by the Communications Workers’ Union (CWU), embarked on a national shutdown on Friday – industrial action that also severely affected Sassa social grant payouts.

The Greenacres and Walmer post offices are two of the three that are open, while post offices in the city centre, 5th Avenue in Newton Park, Sidwell and Korsten are closed.

South African Post Office spokesperson Johan Kruger said wage negotiations would continue on Thursday.

“Sapo is offering a 6% [salary increase] and the unions want 10%. We are hoping we would be able to find middle ground because the strike is not only affecting services at post offices, but Sassa payments as well.”

He said social grant beneficiaries need not queue at post offices.

“We have an agreement with some of the major supermarkets that Sassa grant recipients get three free transactions to access their money.

“People can go to any SPAR, Shoprite Checkers, Boxer Store or Pick n Pay. Alternatively, they can also withdraw at any ATM, at a fee,” Kruger said.

Sassa employees affiliated to the Public Servants’ Association union also went on strike on Tuesday last week.

Negotiations between Sassa and the union resumed on Wednesday.