The public service strike action by members of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) has had little effect on Tygerberg Hospital and Karl Bremer Hospital, the provincial health department says.
Union members are demanding better working conditions and a 10% wage increase. The employer is only willing to offer 4,7%.
At time of print, the future of the strike by essential service workers was however uncertain after the Labour Appeal Court interdicted the strike action on Monday, News24 reports.
This would prevent Nehawu members from continuing with or participating in any strike, its being reported.
The union has appealed the court’s ruling, Netwerk24 reported yesterday (Tuesday 14 March).
The protests
Mark van der Heever, spokesperson for the provincial health department, told TygerBurger on Thursday last week that so far they have had peaceful protests at Karl Bremer Hospital and Tygerberg Hospital.
“The only disruption came about at Karl Bremer (on the afternoon of Wednesday 7 March) when they had to close the gates temporarily, but service delivery was not interrupted.
“While plans are in place to ensure continuation of services, we strongly condemn any action that affects the safety of our patients and staff and the infringement of our clients’ human right to access to healthcare services,” said Van der Heever.
Protest action by Nehawu in the community of Khayelitsha continued at Michael Mapongwana Clinic and Khayelitsha District Hospital, he said.
“Although the buildings are not damaged, the protest has resulted in the transferring of critical patients to other facilities such as Helderberg, Tygerberg, Mitchell’s Plain and Karl Bremer Hospitals,” said Van der Heever.
Last Tuesday night protesters disrupted services and blocked staff from entering Khayelitsha District Hospital.
On Thursday last week the department said in a statement that the protest led by Nehawu has been mainly isolated to the Khayelitsha area, resulting in some disruption of healthcare services.
“While plans are in place to ensure continuation of services, we strongly condemn any action that affects the safety of our patients and staff and the infringement of our clients’ constitutionally enshrined human right to access to healthcare services.
“We also continue to strengthen security to ensure the safety of our patients and we urge everyone to be vigilant.”
