The Department of Health condemns violent actions by striking Nehawu members.

The Department of Health condemns violent actions by striking Nehawu members. Images via Facebook/ National Education Health and Allied Workers’ Union

Nehawu strike | Department of Health condemns disruptive actions

The Department of Health said the right to strike by Nehawu members should not violate constitutional rights to life and access to healthcare.

The Department of Health condemns violent actions by striking Nehawu members.

The Department of Health condemns violent actions by striking Nehawu members. Images via Facebook/ National Education Health and Allied Workers’ Union

The Department of Health condemned violent and disruptive actions at health facilities by the members of the National Education Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) on Monday.

Nehawu embarked on an indefinite strike to demand a 10% salary increment on Monday, 6 March.

THE DEPARTMENT CONDEMNS VIOLENT AND DISRUPTIVE ACTIONS AT HEALTH FACILITIES BY NEHAWU MEMBERS

ALSO READ | NEHAWU forges ahead with strike despite court interdict

“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.

It added that it is working closely with the provincial health authorities and law enforcement agencies to monitor the situation to ensure rapid response and necessary urgent interventions to minimise the impact of the strike on the provision of essential health services.

ALSO READ | WATCH: Pretoria streets affected by Nehawu march [Video]

‘NO WORK, NO PAY’

The department will apply the principle of “No-Work No Pay” 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.

LIST OF THE AFFECTED HOSPITALS

“Some of the affected health facilities include amongst others: 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,” said the department.

DPSA OBTAINED AN INTERDICT TO STOP THE STRIKE

ALSO READ | SARS welcomes suspension of MONTHS long PSA, Nehawu strike

Wage negotiations broke down last month between the union and the department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA).

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

DPSA obtained an interdict to stop the strike. Nehawu went on with it regardless

“Government believes that matters of mutual interest can still be resolved through orderly collective bargaining at the appropriate forum established for such purpose,” DPSA said as quoted by News24.

ALSO READ | NEHAWU, SARS wage dispute – streets affected by the march

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