Johannesburg – The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) is calling on striking workers to return to work.
On Thursday, (9 March 2023), the GDoH issued a circular calling on its employees to return to work.
The department issued the circular after the Johannesburg Labour Court on Wednesday night granted it an interdict to stop National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU) members from obstructing services to patients.
“Employees are called to return to work with immediate effect, as failure to report to work will result in the No Work No Pay principle being applied,” the department said.
“The department can now assure that its employees will be working in a safe and intimidation-free environment after engagements with the law enforcement agencies.”
The court order also instructs the South African Police Service to take all steps necessary to give effect to the interim order including the removal and expulsion of any person from the properties and premises of GDoH.
The department warned protesting employees “to immediately stop obstructing the rendering of health services to patients in health facilities as well as causing damage to property as this is in contravention of the court order and will lead to disciplinary action being taken against offenders”.
NEHAWU members embarked on an indefinite strike on Monday to press for salary increases of 10 percent. The government, which is offering 4,7 percent, has invited the union to return to the table for further talks to resolve the impasse.
