Paramedics fired by the Gauteng Health Department
MIDRAND - The Gauteng Health Department has fired Emergency Medical Services personnel who went on an unprotected strike on 14 October.
The paramedics cited management, pay and overtime disputes. A week after the strike, the department had released a statement threatening action if the paramedics did not return to work immediately.
The paramedics returned to work hoping for better working conditions and pay, but were later fired. One of the paramedics who was dismissed, Higgins Mogakane, told Midrand Reporter that the department fired the paramedics on 4 November.
On 2 November, the paramedics who had gone on an unprotected strike allegedly received final written warning letters from the department of health with regards to the strike they were on. He said, “The decision our employer took to fire us is disappointing. They were not willing to hear our concerns.”
Mogakane stated that the paramedics have engaged services of legal attorneys and unions to fight their dismissal as no disciplinary channels were followed.
He added that the ramifications of the decision meant paramedics could not meet their financial obligations for the months. “The personnel that were fired are angry and frustrated at the way they are being treated.”
The department of health will comment on the matter soon.
Read our previous story here:
Paramedics must return to work: Maile
