SA Post Office workers again storm mail delivery depot

The incident happened on Tuesday, October 7, less than two months after a group of about 100 people entered the premises chanting slogans, and repeatedly pelted the building with stones and other objects, damaging several windows.

According to a nearby business operator who asked to remain anonymous, a group of alleged workers stormed the mail delivery depot and forced the staff members, who reported for work, to close the doors and run for cover.

“The strikers entered the premises chanting slogans, and repeatedly pelted the building with stones and other objects, damaging several windows and a car,” says the eye witness.

The Boksburg SAPS spokesperson, Kwendzakwakhe Ngobese, confirmed the incident, adding that a case of malicious damage to property was registered at the Boksburg SAPS.

No injuries were reported.

The strike has left customers fuming over the postal service.

According to the general secretary of Communications Workers Union (CWU), Aubrey Tshabalala, workers are demanding that all workers be employed as permanent employees, that salaries be increased and call for Sapo to return the reinstated employees to their original positions.

Tshabalala says CWC is now waiting for a proposal from (Sapo) about the status of casual workers, and to bring a better offer to the table, which will then be taken to employees for consideration.

According to Tshabalala, there are too many labour agreements and supplementary contracts that were entered into between Sapo management and labour unions, a couple of years ago, but Sapo management has not implemented most of the agreements.

Various post offices have closed their doors as a precaution due to alleged intimidation by the workers, who are on strike.

In Gauteng, some of the main mail centres, such as Witspos, Germiston, Krugersdorp and Tshwane are either operating at minimal capacity or not at all.

The strike has also severely affected smaller depots, including Boksburg. The Boksburg depot has been closed intermittently since early this year. – @FanieBoksburg