By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union’s (Nehawu) says government must take responsibility for any lives lost during strike action, not the union.
A preliminary report by the Department of Health found that the standoff resulted in deaths.
Nehawu secretary-general Zola Saphetha on Sunday accused government of misleading and confusing workers on its 4.7% wage offer.
Saphetha said government was offering public servants an “insulting” 0.5% salary increase. He said the 4.7% offer included the 4.2% cash gratuity that workers have been receiving.
“We need to clarify that the percentage that the employer is actually offering is a mere 0.5 % due to the fact that the gratuity will now go into the baseline, which means that the workers are once again robbed by the government.
“In addition, the conversion of the R1 000 cash gratuity into a 4.2% wage increase to the pensionable baseline is going to be regressive and therefore at the expense of the workers in the lower salary levels.”
The union added that it remained resolute that “no amount of litigation or intimidation by government will deter it from fighting for public servants, defending collective bargaining, and the rights of workers.”
The union confirmed the strike would enter its second week on Monday, saying it would not stand to be bullied by the government.
“It is important to confirm that Nehawu continues with the strike in a more intensified manner as from tomorrow, Monday, the 13th March 2023, to demonstrate to government the seriousness with which we take the concerted efforts to underplay the role and significance of public servants who are at the coalface of service delivery.”
Heath Minister Joe Phaahla says he is disappointed that Nehawu will be intensifying its strike.
Phaahla has called for peaceful and non-violent action to allow non-striking healthcare personnel to exercise their constitutional right to work without being intimidated or victimised.