Labour Court halts Nehawu pickets
The Labour Court in Johannesburg has halted plans by the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) to picket outside the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS).
Nehawu is unhappy with the government’s refusal to increase public servants’ salaries and a failure to offer adequate personal protective equipment (PPE).
The union planned to continue downing tools on Tuesday to highlight the plight of healthcare workers amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The NHLS says it welcomes the court’s ruling.
“The Labour Court has today ruled that the strike action planned by the National Education Health and Allied Workers’ Union at the National Health Laboratory Service is unlawful, not in compliance, and breach of the relevant provisions of the Labour Relations Act,” says the NHLS’ Mzi Gcukumana.
Nehawu has expressed concern over the rising rate of deaths due to Covid-19 in frontline workers.
But Gcukumana says Nehawu hasn’t been forthcoming with the issues facing workers.
“The NHLS has noted that the issues in dispute, as outlined by Nehawu, are misleading.
“The annual salary wage negotiations are dealt with by the Bargaining Labour Relations Forum. Nehawu demands a salary increase of 11% across the board. In response to Nehawu demands, the NHLS has offered a 0% salary increase due to the impacted fiscal position and the fact that salary increases will not be sustainable in the long run,” Gcukumana explains.
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Mkhize: 'No PPE, no work'
Mkhize spoke on a Covid-19 panel on Monday, where he reiterated the importance of protecting doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers. The minister's remarks come amid rolling protests by the National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union (Nehawu) over a lack of PPE.
Gcukumana also denies the lack of PPEs for healthcare workers.
“The NHLS adheres to the laboratory operating standards. The staff working in the laboratory environment are required to adhere to biosafety level 2 and biosafety level 4 operating standards. The NHLS has provided adequate personal protective equipment (PPEs) to all its employees. The NHLS adheres to all COVID-19 protocols and health guidelines.”
On Monday, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize expressed support for the worker’s cause, calling on healthcare workers to down tools if their demands for protective gear is not met.
