Nehawu strike could disrupt ambulances responding to emergencies, dept warns
They might not be able to leave or enter facilities, says spokesperson.
A planned strike by public servants might result in ambulances not responding to emergencies, the Gauteng Department of Health has warned residents.
“Services such as ambulances would be unable to attend to emergencies as they won’t be able to leave or enter facilities,” said health department spokesperson Motalatale Modiba.
Modiba was referring to the “indefinite” wage strike by the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) after its wage negotiations with the government stalled.
“This is affecting Gauteng Emergency Medical Services’ incident response time leading to delays in responding to distress calls from the public.”
He said the department apologised for any inconvenience this could cause patients, including family members who might be trying to reach them.
“We advise the public to use alternative facilities near them which are not affected.”
He, however, reassured residents that some facilities were providing care to patients despite operating with limited resources.
Furthermore, Modiba said steps will be taken against anyone who posed a threat to healthcare workers trying to perform their duties.
“There were reports of damage to property, including a car that was set alight at one of the hospitals in the West Rand. Action will be taken against those damaging property or endangering the lives of health workers and patients.
“The department will continue to monitor the situation. Law enforcement agencies are on site attending to the situation.”
Nehawu planned to go on strike from Monday, March 6, after serving notice on February 24.
In 2020, the government reneged on the final year of a three-year agreement.
In 2021/22, the parties reached an agreement that included an R1 000 non-pensionable allowance after tax.
In the following year, talks deadlocked again after the government unilaterally implemented a 3% increase plus the gratuity, arguing that this amounted to a 7% increase, which unions disputed.
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