South Africa’s Labour Court of Appeal has ordered striking workers of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU) to end their industrial action immediately, with Health Minister Joe Phaahla telling the strikers to report for duties on Tuesday or risk disciplinary action.
Members of the NEHAWU have staged a national strike since last week severely compromising the country’s health sector.
They are demanding a 10 percent wage hike while the government is offering only 4.7 percent.
The strike was marred by alleged acts of violence and intimidation.
In a televised message on Monday night, Phaahla welcomed the Labour Court of Appeal’s Monday judgment which interdicted NEHAWU members from continuing with their strike.
“We have given workers in the health sector until Tuesday to return to work, failing which, those that don’t report for work, will be in contempt of the court ruling,” the minister said.
He added: “They (workers) will be putting themselves liable to face charges of misconduct. All managers are therefore obliged in terms of the Labour Relations Act to apply to the principle of ‘No work, no pay’.”
According to the minister, the strike had caused a lapse in the delivery of healthcare services and had resulted in unnecessary loss of life in the country.
“The court judgment concurs with our ministry that essential services workers are prohibited from engaging in disruptive industry action which is detrimental to the healthcare services with the risk of loss of life,” the minister said.
He said his ministry had to call in the assistance of the South African Defence Force which had to second its medical staff during the strike by NEHAWU members.
NM/jn/APA