Striking South Africa public sector workers blocked access to hospitals and other government facilities across the country on Tuesday as their industrial action entered the second day amid a deadlock with the employer over salary negotiations.
Members of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) vowed to continue with their strike until their demand for a salary increase of between 10 and 12 percent is met.
The Department of Public Service and Administration is, however, offering a salary increase of 4.7 percent.
Union members blocked entry to government buildings across the country despite Monday’s ruling by the Labour Court, which interdicted the action.
The strikers erected barricades at the entrance and prevented workers from entering or leaving at some hospitals amid allegations of rampant intimidation of those reporting for duty.
Some of the affected health facilities include amongst other: Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Leratong Hospital, Tembisa Hospital all in Gauteng; Pelonomi and Manapo Hospitals in the Free State, Khayelitsha Hospital in the Western Cape, Tshepong and Moses Kotane Hospitals in the North West, Kimberly and Upington Hospitals in the Northern Cape,” the Department of Health said on Tuesday.
The department condemned the violent and disruptive actions by NEHAWU workers that has left some health facilities damaged and affected access to a number of hospitals.
“The department respects the right to strike by members of the trade unions as enshrined in the Constitution of the country. However such right should not violate the constitutional rights of others to life and access to healthcare,” the department said.
It condemned the violence and intimidation directed at health workers, patients and infrastructure, and said it was working closely with provincial health authorities and law enforcement agencies “to minimise the impact of the strike on the provision of essential health services.”
The department warned that striking health workers would have their salaries deducted for days they are not at work.
“The participation of employees rendering essential services or maintenance services in the strike during working hours will constitute misconduct, and the principle of “No-Work No Pay” will also be strictly and timeously applied without fear or favour.”
JN/APA