300 govt staff on go-slow to return

More than 300 employees of the department of basic education in Limpopo, who went on a go-slow and did not report for work for days due to disagreements with management over Covid-19 related problems, will go back to work today.

National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) said yesterday the decision was taken after management bowed to pressure and fumigated offices.

The union was involved in a wrangle with the management following allegations that only the office of the head of the department was fumigated after two officials tested positive for Covid-19.

The employees had been instructed to work from home after the test results were revealed to allow disinfecting of the premises.

But when they returned the following week, they were allegedly told that only the office of the head of department had been fumigated and no others.

The employees were allegedly told the department was facing serious financial constraints and could not afford to fumigate the entire building. In light of this, they embarked on a go-slow for the whole week.

“We decided to smoke a peace pipe with the management after they fumigated the offices.

“But we are still waiting for them to give us a certificate for the service rendered. We want to know which company was appointed, its track record and whether or not the company is legit.

“But, in the meantime, we advised employees to go back to work because we don’t believe the management can stoop so low and lie to us,” said Nehawu Limpopo provincial secretary Jacob Adams yesterday.

Departmental spokesperson Tidimalo Chuene said the employees who had been at work during lockdown Level 3 were directed to return on 6 July after the temporary closure.

“This is after the department of health was brought on board to guide on measures to be taken.

“The advice received was that any area that has been closed off will be safe for habitation after seven days.

“One of the infected officials was last in the office on 15 June while the other was in the office on 23 June. As a further precaution, the offices of the concerned officials and other affected areas were disinfected,” said Chuene.

Chuene denied claims that only the office of the head of department was fumigated, adding:

“What was witnessed was normal cleaning of the office using sanitiser.

“The department has Covid-19 funds set aside for instances where disinfection would be recommended.”