NEHAWU protests: police deployed to Charlotte Maxeke Hospital

The police were deployed to Charlotte Maxeke Hospital as NEHAWU protesters blocked the entrance and exits of the hospital on Wednesday morning.

ALSO READ: NEHAWU members arrested for public violence

JOBURG METRO POLICE SPOKESPERSON ON THE PROTESTS

Johannesburg metro police spokesperson Xolani Fihla says the striking workers are allowing both doctors and patients to enter the hospital. 

“The situation is currently tense, but protesters are allowing doctors and patients to enter the hospital. This has caused heavy delays in the area, especially on Jubilee, York, and St. Andrew Road.”

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

POLICE DEPLOYED TO THE AREA

Fihla says the police have been deployed to the area and members of the public are urged to be cautious when travelling in that area.

On Tuesday the Department of Health said that the strike has had an impact on services at several hospitals in the province,” Gauteng Health spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said.

ALSO READ: NEHAWU strike outside Department of Education offices

“The no work no pay principle will apply given that there is a court interdict that the Department of Public Service would have already obtained. Among the affected hospitals are Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, Bheki Mhlangeni, Heidelburg and Sebokeng hospital.” 

JUDGE MADE ERROR ON LAW – NEHAWU

Nehawu said that it believes the judge made an error of law and therefore launched an appeal against the judgment.  

“We believe strongly that the Labour Appeal Court will arrive at a different conclusion on the matter. Having launched an appeal of today’s judgment, the national union will be forging ahead with the public service strike until a determination is made on our appeal at the LAC,” the union said in a statement.

ALSO READ: NEHAWU members urged to get back to work

Acting Public Service and Administration Minister Thulas Nxesi urged the striking members of Nehawu to return to work, as previously reported.

On Saturday, the department obtained a court interdict against the planned Monday strike. The union applied to appeal the ruling on Sunday. The department argued that the strike would cause harm to the government and public services, which include health and education.

Nxesi says they will implement a no-work no-pay principle.