Frontline workers remembered
Frontline workers who died from Covid-19 while serving their people in the pandemic were remembered for their hard work with a candle-lit national memorial day.
Members of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) met ’ at Frontier Hospital on Tuesday.
Matthew Goniwe regional chair Noluthando Masango expressed gratitude to the heroes and heroines who fought to save lives against Covid-19.
“We condemn the attack against the rights of our members. Workers were not allowed to test for Covid-19 unless they showed signs and symptoms after being in contact with those who had the virus.
“We have had enough of saying may your soul rest in ‘ peace ’,” Masango said.
Instead, workers were asked to have themselves tested through their medical aid, if they had one. Employees who refused to
“take unreasonable instructions from management were subjected to disciplinary processes. We have four shop stewards on precautionary suspension.”
On Wednesday a motorcade was to take place from the regional office of Nehawu and on Thursday a memorandum was to be handed over in various areas of the province.
“The memorandum was to be submitted with an ultimatum of five days. If it is not met, Nehawu will withdraw labour.”
The demands include risk assessment, risk allowance, filling of vacancies and salary adjustment.
Concerning Eastern Cape health department superintendent-general Dr Tobile Mbengashe, who resigned after the union had called for him to step down, she said a skills audit for management positions should be conducted.
Regional deputy chair Sibuso Kamte said: Workers
“should be permanently absorbed. A high number of community health workers contracted the virus.”
Regional secretary Mvuyisi Siko said the union welcomed the resignation of Mbengashe, who Nehawu believed was incompetent. We hope the
“next appointee will be someone capable, who will not be appointed for political reasons.”
Frontier Hospital acting CEO, Dr Hubert Mushid, said: We must all be together in this fight. Thank you to the frontline workers in this region and the country. They are making huge sacrifices by coming to work during the pandemic. Thank you for all your sacrifices.”