Nehawu: Workers caught between a rock and a hard place
The National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) has given President Cyril Ramaphosa a week to respond to their demands.
Hundreds of workers picketed outside the Union Buildings on Thursday afternoon for their national day of action.
They are demanding safer working conditions and an increase in salaries – and have threatened to go on a massive nationwide strike if their demands are not met.
#NEHAWUNationalAction | We're outside Union Building where Nehawu in Gauteng is joining the nationwide protest pic.twitter.com/D8gIdebojQ
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) September 3, 2020
The union’s demands include that workers, who have tested positive for Covid-19, only be allowed to return after certain conditions have been met.
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They also want the immediate establishment of health committees in all workplaces.
#NEHAWUNationalAction | Members voice their frustration pic.twitter.com/cowhyV6ls9
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) September 3, 2020
The union’s general-secretary Zola Saphetha says the frontline workers are caught between a rock and a hard place.
"When they complain they are dismissed. When they comply, they die. What more must we do?”
He said the union was perturbed that - after throwing their weight behind Ramaphosa for the presidency - he has now ignored the workers’ pleas.
Cosatu president Zingiswa Losi also spoke at the picket and pointed out that none of the issues being raised aren't new.
"These conditions did not start with Covid-19, they've always been there.
"We always say we are dealing triple crisis of poverty, unemployment and inequality in our country. Covid-19 has unearthed those things," Losi said.