Strike shuts down NC Sassa offices
SEVERAL SA Social Security Agency (Sassa) branches in Kimberley and the Northern Cape were closed due to a nationwide strike yesterday and staff are expected to proceed with a go-slow today.
According to the Public Servants Association (PSA) in the Northern Cape, the association represents roughly 90% of Sassa staff in the Province.
The PSA in the Province has pledged its support for Sassa staff who have embarked on a nationwide strike.
“Several local branches of Sassa were closed today (yesterday).”
PSA provincial manager, Steve Ledibane, yesterday urged Sassa employees in the Northern Cape to be steadfast in their demands, including the insourcing of general workers, a greater selection of medical aid schemes and an increased housing allowance.
He further gave his assurance that the mass action was legally protected.
Ledibane yesterday apologised to beneficiaries who were adversely affected by the strike but encouraged the general public to support Sassa staff in their bid for improved working conditions.
“All the proper channels were followed, notice was served and after all these legalities, members in the Northern Cape embarked on a stay-away,” Ledibane said yesterday morning.
“We are hoping for a positive outcome from a meeting with the minister but can’t really predict when the matter is likely to be resolved.
“We would like to apologise to beneficiaries for any inconvenience and would like to encourage them to assist in drawing attention to the disturbance by any legal means at their disposal.
“It is the most vulnerable members of our society who are being left to suffer the most and the employers are facing a potentially dangerous situation.”
Meanwhile, spokesperson for Sassa in the Northern Cape, Inno Kounou, said that the agency would respond to media enquiries this morning.
Workers at Sassa downed tools yesterday after refusing to be part of the government wage offer signed by Cosatu-affiliated unions.
The action comes amid confusion over the takeover of the payout by the SA Post Office from Cash Paymaster Services, whose contract ends in September.