Watch: Namakgale hospital workers fume over PMDS ratings
Workers say ratings were slashed with no explanation, even as some wards run with two staff caring for up to 40 patients each.
PHALABORWA – Workers at Maphutha Malatji Hospital in Namakgale have raised concerns over what they describe as unfair and inconsistent Performance Management and Development System (PMDS) ratings, accusing hospital CEO Dr Sello Rasello of disregarding the recommendations of the Moderation Committee.
According to a labour union representative, the dispute centres on performance ratings awarded to employees after the Moderation Committee assessed their performance for the year.
WATCH: Union workers took to the picket line outside Maphutha Malatji Hospital, demanding answers over ratings they say were unfairly slashed.
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Committee recommendations overturned
The committee, which the union alleges was appointed by Rasello, moderated employees and awarded many of them a rating of four, the highest standard rating under the system. Concerns arose, however, when the hospital head allegedly reduced some of these ratings without providing calculations or reasons for the changes.
The union says PMDS policy requires the head of an institution who is dissatisfied with a moderation outcome to refer the employee’s file back to the Moderation Committee, along with reasons for disagreeing with the rating.
Repeated meetings with Rasello have failed to resolve the matter, the union representative said, alleging that he instead told workers they could lodge a dispute through the appropriate channels.
Workers cite staff shortages
Workers accuse Rasello of arrogance and abuse of power over the disputed ratings, saying his handling of the matter is unfair, particularly given the severe staff shortages and difficult conditions they say they are working under.
They also allege that some wards expected to have eight employees are operating with as few as two, who are responsible for between 30 and 40 patients.
Despite these conditions, some employees allegedly received lower ratings from the hospital head than those recommended by their supervisors.
Union demands intervention
The union argues the ratings carry serious financial consequences for workers, as a lower rating can affect progression to the next salary notch.
The union is calling on the department to intervene, ensure the PMDS policy is followed, and investigate what it describes as an abuse of managerial authority.
Hospital management, when approached for comment, said it would deal with the PMDS concerns in consultation with the district, and requested until September 2 to respond.
