ZULULANDERS should note reports a possible Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) strike on Tuesday.
According to DA KZN spokesperson on Health, Dr Imran Keeka MPL, this is not the first time the EMRS staff has threatened to down tools.
‘Last month they did the same. It also won’t be the last unless the KZN Health Department under Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo starts to taking essential workers’ concerns seriously,’ said Dr Keeka.
‘EMRS workers have been unhappy with their lot since 2012. Their gripes include poor wages and working conditions, including a lack of proper resources.
‘There are several individual claims of not being paid based on their qualification and grade. The Department continuously states that the situation is complex. Even so, it should not take years to resolve.’
The DA on Monday tabled a motion on this issue in the provincial legislature.
‘We raised the point that the disruption of EMRS services will endanger the lives of KZN citizens requiring this critical service. We also warned that, apart from any potential and tragic loss of life, the MEC and his department will likely also have to face possible legal action and/or consequences brought through Chapter 9 institutions– all as a result of its lackadaisical response to this matter,’ explained Dr Keeka.
KZN Health spokesperson Desmond Motha said, ‘Further information will only be available once the MEC has been given a chance to respond to the DA in Parliament.’
However, Dr Keeka said this was not necessary and action should be taken immediately.
‘The MEC needs to intervene as only he has the power to do so. He must not allow this problem to perpetuate. The consequences of any further inaction lie directly at the door of the KZN Health Department.’
The National Union of Public Services and Allied Workers said they were not aware of any strike planned for next week or in the foreseeable future.
