[VIDEO] Tempers flare as Limpopo healthcare workers strike looms
Healthcare workers were warned that should they strike, they would not be vaccinated against Covid-19
POLOKWANE – Tempers flared during a recent press conference by representatives of trade unions affiliated to the Limpopo health sector when announcing strike action against the Department of Health.
The press conference follows accusations and threats made by the Department of Health’s Head of Department (HOD), Thokozani Mhlongo, during a media briefing on 1 March, in which she labelled health workers as looters and warned them that should they continue with strike action, they would lose their Covid-19 vaccination. Mhlongo refused to partake in the looting happening in the department after it was revealed that 70 percent of the budget goes to personnel. From a budget of R22.6 billion, R 15.7 billion is spent on employee compensation and despite this, there is still a shortage of staff.
Mhlongo stated that the strike is unprotected and there would be repercussions for workers participating.
The unions however, have come forward with a certificate of non-resolution that was issued by the commissioner on 7 December 2020, permitting the strike to take place.
The Provincial Chairperson of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu), Calvin Tshamano rubbished Mhlongo’s remarks and responded to her threat of no vaccination for workers participating in the strike, calling it irresponsible given the amount of work carried out by frontline workers in the fight against Covid-19. “What does strike action have to do with vaccination?” he asked.
Last week, healthcare workers announced that they will strike, as well as resort to court action over the introduction of a new standardised roster system. Under the new system, workers will have 12-hour shifts, three times a week and a 7-hour shift once a week, while no roster should be designated night or day shift. Unions are disgruntled by the circulars issued by the department which, according to them, unilaterally change the conditions of service without proper consultation with organised labour, thus violating the Labour Relations Act.
They have asked the department to withdraw the unilateral changes to conditions of service occasioned by the issuing of Circular 43 of 2020 and Circular 4 of 2021.
The department, however, refuted this and as a result, unions are planning strike action on 8 March.
