EMS paramedics claim they are ‘grossly exploited’

The strike is still ongoing.

Striking paramedics at the Midrand offices explained that they are tired of being “grossly exploited by management”.

The paramedics said they have not been treated well by the current management. They said they were not paid for working overtime and that salaries differed between staff who had the same qualifications.

They explained that for the past five years their concerns have not been taken seriously. One of the paramedics, Higgins Mogakane, said, “We can not continue working overlapping hours and not [be] paid for it. Other paramedics in other provinces have been paid for their overlapping hours.”

The paramedics said that in September a meeting was held with management where a resolution was taken that control or communication staff who were not considered for a certain salary grade should be upgraded, elevated or promoted. It was also said that all personnel working more than 160 overlapping hours per month be paid for the extra hours worked.

“We work in appalling conditions and dilapidated buildings. We need a safer working space with sufficient inspection lights, especially for night duty,” they said.

They added that they do not get much training while on the job and they do not receive certificates to show that they attended certain training.

Gauteng EMS provincial head of communications Prince Hamnca said, “The Gauteng Department of Health views interruption of services on a serious note and does not condone actions that endanger people’s lives.”

“On 13 October EMS management met with employees in the Tshwane area who are involved in a go slow, the Midrand employees were engaged on 14 October.”

He explained, “The department will investigate some of the issues raised in the meeting and while that is happening, employees are expected to resume duties and function as normal.”

He said that once the process was compete, the department would revert the findings and recommendations to the employees.