The Gauteng Provincial Government on Thursday, 19 August 2010 was granted an interdict by the labour court to stop striking government employees from intimidating health workers and other government employees who are not taking part in the strike action.
The court ordered government employees who are on strike to immediately refrain from intimidating, harassing or interfering with other employees and management from continuing with their work and their access and exit of all Department of Health and Social Development facilities in Gauteng.
This follows acts of intimidation at various public hospitals and schools. Some of the government employees who are currently on strike invaded Sebokeng, Helen Joseph, Natalspruit, Charlotte Maxeke and Kalafong hospitals and forced nurses and support staff to join the industrial action, leading to disruption of services.
The government condemns in the strongest possible terms threats and acts of violence and intimidation by employees who are on strike. While government recognises the rights of workers to engage in labour action such action must be conducted within the prescripts of the law.
Government is concerned about disruption of services especially in the areas of health and education. Contingency measures are being implemented to ensure that public institutions continue to render services to the people.
Medical personnel from the South African national defence force have been deployed to affected hospitals.Personnel from the national Department of Health and the administrative staff from the Gauteng Department of Health and Social Development have also been deployed to hospitals to perform various supporting duties.
The Gauteng Provincial Government is heartened by the high number of volunteers who have offered their services to hospitals and other public health care facilities during the strike action.
Security has been tightened at all hospitals to protect the public and the workers who are not taking part in the strike action.
The Gauteng Provincial Government will do everything within its powers to ensure continued provision of healthcare services in all public health institutions.
Enquiries:
Thabo Masebe
Cell: 082 410 8087
