Public Service and Administration Minister Richard Baloyi calls on essential service employees embarking in the strike action to return to work as a matter of urgency.
Minister Baloyi emphasises that all essential services employees on strike need to return to work in compliance with the law as prescribed in the Labour Relations Act as well as in compliance with a court order restraining strike action by essential service personnel.
The following services provided by the public sector are designated by the essential services committee in terms of the Labour Relations Act as essential services:
- Nursing
- Medical and paramedical services
- Emergency health services and the provision of emergency health facilities to the community or part thereof
- Correctional services
- Services required for the functioning of the courts
- South African Police Service (SAPS)
- The supply and distribution of water
- The security services of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry
- The collection of infectious refuse from medical and veterinary hospitals or practices
- Computer services provided or supported by National Treasury including the Persal, Social Pensions, Hospital and Flood Control systems
- Services provided by old age homes, children’s homes and places of care.
In support of the emergency health services; nursing and medical and paramedical services listed above, the following services are also essential services:
- Medical records
- Laundry
- Mortuary
- Medicine quality control laboratory
- Catering
- Security
- Porter and reception
- Pharmaceutical and dispensary
- Forensics
- Clinical engineering
- Hospital engineering
- Pest control
- Waste removal.
Minister Baloyi has reiterated government’s commitment to collectively working with labour in finalising the minimum service level agreement in essential services. This is as part of the vision by the employer to improve the relationship between the employer and labour.
Government however calls on all essential services to return to work without further delay as the minimum service level agreement is not in place and therefore employees providing essential services must adhere to the Labour Relations Act.
For more information contact:
Dumisani Nkwamba
Cell: 082 885 9448
Lebohang Mafokosi
Cell: 082 312 4641
