South Africa - Post Office strike causes ripple effect

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Cape Town – A two-week unprotected strike by casual and part-time South African Post Office (Sapo) employees in Gauteng has caused major issues for individuals and business owners, many of whom have taken to social media networks to vent their frustration.

The ripple effect of the strike within East Rand and Tshwane has reached all corners of the country, with one Fin24 user writing in to express her concerns over her business operations in Sasolburg.

Fin24 user Cherie, who asked not to use her surname, owns a jewellery shop and has battled to receive stock and send products to clients.

“I am sitting with dozens of parcels that I can’t send to clients,” she told Fin24. “They’re worth thousands of rands and it is frustrating for me and for my clients.

“It’s affecting sales because no one wants to buy anything at the moment,” she said. “And I can’t get any stock either.”

Dismissal of staff

Sapo said in a statement on Friday that it was in the process of implementing dismissal processes.

“This action is a culmination of a fair and due labour relations-based process to resolve the matter, amicably; following a strike which has severely impacted our customers within and, in particular, the Tshwane catchment area,” said Sapo.

“It has been characterised by intimidation and violence: the blocking of workplaces, assaults on employees and damage to property. This has resulted in the closure of some post offices and mail delivery depots in an effort to ensure the safety of employees and customers.”

“In our view, the strike is unnecessary, as it is centred on the speed with which the conversion of casual workers into permanent positions is being implemented; a matter which is being addressed concomitantly and constructively with their leadership,” said Sapo CEO Christopher Hlekane.

“We have already commenced the process of converting 900 casual workers into permanent positions, which is part of the agreement reached with the casual workers’ leadership.”

“All efforts to resolve the industrial action – which included negotiations, ultimatums and a Labour Court Interdict – came to naught,” he said. “Therefore, the SA Post Office could not conceive of any other alternative but to dismiss the striking employees.”

Business continuity plans were implemented to keep operations going and to minimise the impact of the strike on our customers. At this stage, it said customers should expect some delay in the delivery of mail in the affected areas.