Nehawu seeks overtime, protection to fight coronavirus

THE National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) said it was seeking a meeting with Health Minister Zweli Mkhize to discuss the state of readiness, protection and remuneration for health-care workers in terms of Covid-19.

The union said it wanted to “unequivocally declare” that its members would take part in all the processes of testing, quarantining and treating people who came in contact with the coronavirus.

“Our members are more than ready to assist our government and the Department of Health in confronting the virus and ensuring that there’s immediate help for those who require medical attention.

“The department in return would have to ensure that our members receive all the necessary protective clothing and training in dealing with both confirmed and suspected cases of the virus,” Nehawu said.

“In this regard, we demand that the department ensures that workers have all the protective clothing and equipment they need when assisting patients to protect themselves from contracting the virus.”

Nehawu said its members, who are on the front line of South Africa’s fight against Covid-19, must receive all the necessary support to deal with the pandemic, “and they must be remunerated for overtime if they have to put in extra hours, considering that our health-care system is understaffed”.

The union said the health department must ensure workers received protective clothing and training in dealing with both confirmed and suspected cases of the virus in South Africa.