The Health and Other Services Personnel Trade Union of South Africa (Hospersa) has slammed its rival, the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu), for going on strike in the public sector.
The strike had turned violent in some areas where the workers were seen trying to stop doctors from entering a hospital. In another area, the workers had barricaded the hospital entrance with burning debris, making it impossible for emergency vehicles and other cars to enter the hospital.
Members of the community were seen removing the roads on the road and dousing off the fire while threatening the strikers with violence if they continued with their action.
Hospersa held its North West provincial congress in Klerksdorp on Thursday and said the disruption of services was not justifiable.
According to Hospersa General Secretary Waheed Hoosen, the public is suffering as a result of the ongoing strike.
“It’s not the citizens that are the problem here, it’s the employer. The government needs to come to the party and address these issues”.
Hoosen said the issue of the public sector wage dispute was an issue between the government and the unions.
“It has got nothing to do with the citizens, so why should the citizens be disadvantaged from the services that they are expected to receive from public servants? We strongly condemn any act which goes against the principles of human rights,” he said.
In Klersdorp, Nehawu members blocked Tshepong hospital making it difficult for patients to access the facility.
Nehawu members are demanding a 10 to 12%wage increase and housing allowance against the 4.7 percent offered by the employer.
Hoosen said with regard to the wage negotiation, Hospersa chooses to engage in a dialogue rather than a strike.
“We know the efforts of strike action, it has consequences on both sides, so that is our last resort,” he said.
Hospersa president Gregg Rafferty said the union does not agree with the 4% offer for the public sector saying their members in the private sector were offered 7.2%
“When was the last time a public servant received double digits? Last year we got a 3% increase, for the last three consecutive years, public servants have gotten below inflation increases. That cannot be sustained any further, so this year we are demanding at least inflation-related increase this year,” he said.
Hospersa also called for the wage increase to be included as part of the baseline this year which then becomes a pensionable part of the salary increase.
