‘A slap in the face’: Nurses union calls for support for frontline workers

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s economic and social relief strategy, announced on Tuesday 21 April, has been widely praised for its comprehensive approach to ensuring that South Africans don’t go hungry during lockdown.

Ramaphosa announced that a staggering R500 billion would be injected into the economy, but some sectors are still feeling isolated and effectively left in the lurch as the pandemic steams on. 

Some are saying that Ramaphosa neglected to commend and assist some critical role-players – nurses.

Nurses and frontline staff ‘neglected’

Trade union Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (Denosa), who look after the affairs of healthcare workers, have said that Ramaphosa failed to address the need for nurses to be compensated for all they are doing to assist in the fight against the virus. 

Secretary-General Cassim Lekhoathi said that Ramaphosa’s address completely disregarded nurses and has called for them to be regarded as relief package priority candidates.

“There was no consideration and a complete disregard for their effort in fighting COVID-19,” he said. 

“It showed that they are not appreciated despite the good work they are doing. The frustration comes because in April there was supposed to be a salary increase, but government has basically said they don’t have the money to do it.”

“It was a slap in the face of nurses.” 

Assurances not fulfilled 

He said that no one has successfully addressed the issue of transport for healthcare workers, with hospital staff still frustrated over having to pay for taxis to get to work, a commute that poses health risks. He added that they are not receiving adequate protection. 

“Nurses were given an assurance that transport for essential workers, but they have to fend for themselves and spend their own money to get to work. It’s not considerate,” he said. 

“I can safely say that we get daily reports that nurses are affected (by transport constraints) Nurses are being made to go to work without PPE (personal protective equipment).” 

“We are amazed that both private and public institutions are expecting nurses to work without the proper gear. We condemn that in the highest terms.”

‘Waive taxes for nurses’ 

Lekhoathi suggested that government must address the issue through tax relief. 

“At least government must consider giving the frontlines an incentive in terms of risk allowance, or alternatively waive their payment of tax. Ghana has given healthcare workers a four-month tax break.”