The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) in the Eastern Cape says that emergency services personnel in the province are working under deplorable conditions.
The union says workers are suffering from fatigue as there is a staff shortage.
The workers downed tools in parts of the Amathole District and Buffalo City Metro.
This has affected the delivery of services.
Nehawu’s provincial Secretary Mlu Ncapayi has accused the department of dragging its feet in addressing the workers’ concerns.
“Even [in] their bases there is no security, even the vehicles from where we are seated as Nehawu, those vehicles are walking coffins. Those vehicles are not serviced. Those vehicles, their licence discs have since expired last year. They are not roadworthy for them to be driven. Yet the department is expecting workers to do their work. Hence we are very clear as Nehawu that workers must be given the assistance,” says Ncapayi.
Eastern Cape Health Department spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo says they are implementing the no-work no-pay principle for the striking workers.
“We are running a public service, we have to find a solution. However, we can’t wait until people die. We have to ensure that we protect the rights of our patients. We are going to continue to engage relevant unions to try and find solutions. We recognise the issues that are being raised by the workers, however, the method being used is totally unacceptable,” adds Kupelo.
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