Nehawu intensifies its illegal strike.

Nehawu intensifies its illegal strike. Image via Facebook/ Eastern Cape Nehawu AD

NEHAWU hits third day of wage strike; patients pay the price

Nehawu intensifies its illegal strike on Wednesday, 8 March, stopping patients and doctors from entering some health facilities.

Nehawu intensifies its illegal strike.

Nehawu intensifies its illegal strike. Image via Facebook/ Eastern Cape Nehawu AD

National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) members continue their strike for a 10% wage increase.

The union hits the third day of its strike since it started on Monday, 6 March.

The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) obtained an interdict to stop the strike. However, Nehawu went on with it regardless.

NEHAWU MEMBERS BLOCK PATIENTS AND DOCTORS FROM ENTERING SOME HEALTH FACILITIES

The strike has spread across the country.

The Union members refused entry to patients at some hospitals and many government offices were closed down by the striking workers.

On Wednesday,8 March patients and doctors at Grey’s Hospital in Kwa-Zulu Natal were blocked from entering the hospital.

ALSO READ: Nehawu strike | Department of Health condemns disruptive actions

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CONDEMNED VIOLENT ACTIONS AT HEALTH FACILITIES

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The Department of Health condemned violent and disruptive actions at health facilities by Nehawu members.

“The Department of Health has noted with concern the violent and disruptive actions by some members of the trade union NEHAWU at some health facilities around the country which affect access to some facilities, mainly major hospitals,” said the department.

The department said though it respects the right to strike that right should not violate the constitutional rights of others to life and access to healthcare.

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‘NO WORK, NO PAY’

It added that it will apply the “No-Work No Pay” principle to employees who embarked on the strike during working hours.

“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,” the department said.

Wage negotiations broke down last month between the union and the DPSA.

The department offered a 4.7% increase, however, Nehawu was not happy.

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