The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union stated that it would not back down or suspend strike action despite losing an application in the Labour Appeal Court on Monday.
THE NATIONAL Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) stated that it would not back down or suspend strike action despite losing an application in the Labour Appeal Court on Monday.
Tyres were burnt outside Connie Vorster Hospital in Hartswater on Monday.
The union is demanding a 10% wage increase, pay progressions beyond the last notch, a bursary scheme for the children of public servants, a R2,500 housing allowance and a review of back-dated salary increases.
The Director-General stated that R36 billion would be needed to give in to the demands, which it was incapable of meeting.
It was indicated that there are over 1. 2 million public servants in the bargaining unit, of which 582,000 are essential services employees and 642,653 are non-essential service employees.
According to the court order, it was impermissible for essential services to be disrupted, especially where acts of criminality as well as “widespread strike misconduct and intimidation” were committed.
“Such conduct is not only illegal but wholly unjustified and unwarranted. By doing so Nehawu and its members have displayed a total disrespect for the law.”
The judgment stated that while members had a right to strike peacefully, the SAPS were obliged to maintain law and order.
“It is their duty to enforce the law and not to await a court order to do so.”
Nehawu provincial treasurer Regina Manhe stated that they would continue to “defend the picket line at all costs”.
“Strike action will continue until further notice or until we receive instructions from the leadership. We were never served with any interdicts.”
She added that they had agreed not to disrupt hospitals and health facilities.
“We are engaging in peaceful pickets.”
Northern Cape Department of Health spokesperson Lulu Mxekezo stated that four clinics had to be closed on Monday.
“John Taolo Gaetsewe district reported that personnel were intimidated at the Kagisho community health clinic and health-care services were affected,” said Mxekezo.
“Some clinics were affected in Sol Plaatje Local Municipality as personnel were intimidated and forced to leave their workstations.”
She added that an official set a tyre alight outside the Connie Vorster Hospital in Hartswater in Phokwane Local Municipality.
“Health services were not affected, as the fire was outside and was contained. A few personnel held a brief meeting at Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital this morning but went back to their work stations afterwards. Health services were not affected. Peaceful picketing was also held during lunchtime by some officials after which they went to their work stations.”
Mxekezo stated that health services continued in the Namakwa, Pixley ka Seme and ZF Mgcawu districts as no strike action was reported.
“The Northern Cape Department of Health appreciates the dedication of all health employees who continue providing health-care services during these challenging times.
“South African Police Service members are assisting to maintain order at some facilities.”
Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Affairs spokesperson Zandisile Luphahla indicated that the gates of the provincial head office in Kimberley were closed on Monday morning after officials were “politely requested” to leave their work stations.
“Workers reported for duty at 7.30am but were asked to pack up and vacate the building at around 9am. The gates of the building were closed to prevent any damage to property. We apologise to our stakeholders and clients who are unable to access services. We are nearing the end of the financial year and there may also be delays with the payment of service providers. Unfortunately the situation is out of our control,” said Luphahla.
He advised staff members to continue reporting for work every day.
“The Department of Public Service may unilaterally implement a policy of ‘no work, no pay’ if employees are not at work.”
