Gauteng Health interdicts striking Nehawu workers

Workers have been ordered not to obstruct the  rendering of health services to any patients during the strike.

Nehawu downed tools on Monday.

They are demanding a wage increase of between 10 and 12%, while government has so far only offered a hike of 4.7%.

This despite a court ruling on Tuesday ordering workers to return to their posts.

Health spokesperson Motalatale Modiba says several hospitals across the province have been affected.

“Some hospitals experienced total shutdown as was the case at Kopanong, Sebokeng, Thelle Mogoerane and Bheki Mlangeni, where patients were left unattended as striking workers went inside wards ordering staff out of the facilities. 

"Two academic hospitals, Charlotte Maxeke and Chris Hani Baragwanath were also negatively impacted.

“The Gauteng Emergency Medical Services personnel were also threatened from responding to calls and denied access in or out of facilities causing frustration among people in need of emergency medical care.”

Modiba says the interdict will remain in place until the parties return to court in April. 

“The interim interdict is applicable with immediate effect and prevents striking workers from doing anything which directly or indirectly obstructs or impedes access to and from health facilities across the Gauteng province and damaging any departmental property whether movable or immovable.

“It further prohibits the protesters from barricading entrances or buildings, molesting, assaulting, threatening or intimidating any member of staff in or out patient, contractors, visitors or officials of the Gauteng Health.”

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