Maritzburg mortuary workers down tools

Nompendulo Ngubane

Workers shut down the Fort Napier Medico Legal Mortuary in Pietermaritzburg on Monday and yesterday, turning away families wanting to collect the bodies of loved ones.

Workers have been on a goslow for two weeks, demanding a wage increase and better working conditions. On Monday they barricaded the road and blocked the gates with mortuary vans.

“We are not allowing anyone to come in,” said one worker who did not want to be named. “None of the bodies are getting out or inside.”

He said the workers had waited for health member of the executive committee Sibongiseni Dhlomo to respond to their demands last Friday but he had not done so.

“They say the matter is being dealt with at national level. We have decided to shut down the mortuary. The department has to respond,” he said.

Workers’ demands include the repair of air conditioners, better equipment and back pay.

Department spokesperson Ncumisa Mafunda said the department was engaging with organised labour.

“A commitment was made to speedily resolve certain operational challenges such as equipment and air conditioners.

“Both parties will be meeting again in due course,” she said.

Provincial secretary for the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union Phakama Ndunakazi said the union fully supported the workers.

Conditions are appalling, he said. “The fridges and air conditioners are not working. There’s an unbearable smell... Fort Napier Medico Legal Mortuary has only one doctor. These workers end up doing all the work and yet they are not paid enough,” he said.

“The union is sympathising with the families who have been affected but we cannot compromise the rights of the workers.” – Republished from Groundup.org