By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The SA police service (SAPS) are deployed to Charlotte Maxeke Hospital as Nehawu protesters blocked the entrance and exits of the hospital on Wednesday morning.
They are demanding a wage increase of between 10 and 12%, while government has so far only offered a hike of 4.7%.
The Labour Court has granted government an interdict to force workers to return to work, but this has been taken on appeal by the union.
Johannesburg metro police spokesperson Xolani Fihla the striking workers are allowing both doctors and patients to enter the hospital.
“The situation is currently tense, but protesters are allowing doctors and patients to enter the hospital. This has caused heavy delays in the area, especially on Jubilee, York and St. Andrew Road.
“Police have been deployed to the area and members of the public are urged to exercise caution when travelling in that area.”
“The Department of Health said on Tuesday that the strike has had an impact on services at several hospitals in the province,” Gauteng Health spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said.
“The no work no pay principle will apply given that there is a court interdict that the Department of Public Service would have already obtained. Among the affected hospitals are Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, Bheki Mhlangeni, Heidelburg and Sebokeng hospital.”
Meanwhile, Nehawu said that it believes the judge made an error of law and therefore launched an appeal against the judgment.
“We believe strongly that the Labour Appeal Court will arrive at a different conclusion on the matter. Having launched an appeal of today’s judgment, the national union will be forging ahead with the public service strike until a determination is made on our appeal at the LAC,” the union said in a statement.
Elsewhere Ekhuruleni metro police spokesperson Thabiso Makgato says calm has been restored in Tembisa hospital.
“The EMPD first responder unit has restored calm in the situation and the road has been opened and they are still monitoring the situation.”