Saturday shifts at Home Affairs no longer compulsory

Home Affairs deputy director general Nkidi Mohoboko says front desk employees will no longer be forced to work on Saturdays.

She made the announcement at a press briefing this morning. 

The department and labour unions including the Public Servants Association (PSA), Nehawu and Nupsaw have reached an agreement, averting a crippling strike in the sector. 

Home Affairs employees threatened to down tools, demanding overtime pay for working on Saturdays. 

The department would initially not budge and said there was no overtime for employees.

Home Affairs' application for an urgent interdict to stop the PSA from embarking on a national strike was struck of the roll by the Labour Court on Thursday 15 June. 

Workers were expected to go on strike from Monday 19 June. 

All parties have agreed to continue to engage in a process of negotiation on working hours.