Health strikers cause chaos
The Gauteng department of health yesterday condemned ongoing acts of vandalism and the disruption of services at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital by some employees engaged in an unprotected strike.
“The department has obtained and served the striking employees with a court interdict and it is expected of them to respect and abide the rule of law,” departmental spokesperson Lesemang Matuka said.
“The facility provides essential services to the vulnerable and we cannot allow the situation to continue in this manner.”
DA Gauteng shadow health MEC Jack Bloom said the disruptive actions of striking workers at the hospital were unacceptable and needed to be dealt with.
“Throughout last week, they trashed the hospital and on Tuesday police fired rubber bullets to disperse them. Some EFF supporters were also among those who had to be expelled from the hospital,” Bloom said.
“I visited the hospital and found mounds of trash, including medical waste, scattered. A cold drink dispensing machine was also tossed on its side.”
Bloom said staff had told him workers had gone on a rampage through the wards, intimidating people and disrupting activities.
“Many operations have been cancelled because of a lack of clean linen. They are protesting nonpayment of overtime and performance bonuses and claim that management is not communicating with them,” Bloom said.
“Their grievances may be valid, but trashing a hospital and endangering the safety of patients should not be allowed.”
Matuka said the department had been engaging the workers and would continue to work with them in amicably finding solutions to the issues they raised, but would not tolerate anarchy.
“We have the mandate and constitutional obligation to provide quality health services to our people. We will continue working with the law and security enforcement agencies to ensure that healthcare services are provided and working employees are not being intimidated from discharging their duties,” Matuka said.
Police are monitoring the situation and no arrests had been made, said Captain Kay Makhubela.