workers
4 June 2007
The Department of Health is collating information with regard to the
ultimatum issued by the Department yesterday to health sector unions and all
health workers. The ultimatum directs all health workers who have illegally
participated in the current public sector industrial action, to report for duty
today.
Information is being gathered from all health facilities in the country in
preparation for action that will be taken against those who failed to report
for duty.
Following the issuing of the ultimatum, the National Education, Health and
Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) has requested an urgent meeting with the
Department of Health on the matter.
The Department of Health demands that Nehawu and other unions in the sector
unambiguously direct all their members in the essential services to report for
duty before any honest discussion can commence on addressing health service
delivery challenges relating to the strike.
They should also condemn the acts of intimidation against the many health
workers who have heeded the Department of Health's call to them not to
participate in the strike.
We call on the health sector unions to publicly condemn the violation of the
right of the people of South Africa to access to health services and the
consequent threat to life of patients. The public health sector services the
poorest of the poor in South Africa and our patients cannot afford to pay for
alternative health service.
The Labour Relations Act prohibits workers in essential services from
participating in industrial action. Those health workers who have participated
in the strike have, in addition, violated an order issued by the Labour Court
last week preventing health workers and their unions from participating in this
strike.
Contact:
Sibani Mngadi
Tel: 012 312 0763
Cell: 082 772 0161
Issued by: Department of Health
4 June 2007
