UPDATE: Ambulances back on the road

A FIRM ultimatum by the KZN Department of Health to striking state paramedics saw disgruntled employees returning to work yesterday morning.

All staff of Emergency Medical and Rescue Services (EMRS), who embarked on unprotected strike action since Friday had to attend a disciplinary session on Wednesday before reporting for duty.

According to a warning letter by Acting Head of Department, Dr MLB Simelane, the strike action was a breach of contract by personnel employed in an essential service.

They were ordered to return to work by Tuesday, failing which further steps would be taken ultimately leading to dismissal.

However, the uncompromising stance by the department did not go down well with Zululand paramedics on Wednesday.

‘Workers were given these final warning letters to sign without union representatives being present.

‘We view this as unfair labour practice.

‘Ambulances were not allowed to operate until we filled out these forms and this negatively impacted service delivery,’ a local paramedic told the Zululand Observer.

At Ngwelezana Hospital, the service to transport referral patients to Durban was back in operation on Wednesday.

nfortunately, many patients were denied treatment during the strike, left stranded and some tragically succumbed to their illnesses before being transferred to other provincial hospitals.

‘Instigator’

At the same time, a former Zululand EMRS employee accused of instigating attacks on ambulances in the province, was remanded in custody after appearing in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Eric Sifiso Dlamini was arrested on charges of intimidation on Saturday, and is reportedly linked to numerous violent incidents.

This includes the burning of state EMRS ambulances in the lead up to the illegal strike action as well as the stoning of a bus at the northern entrance to Empangeni on Friday.

The emergency vehicle was transporting patients from Durban to Hlabisa and five patients were subsequently injured after 11 windows were smashed.

Dlamini, who is a former EMRS employee at Ilembe District, will appear again on Tuesday for a formal bail application.

While he was dismissed nearly two years ago for gross misconduct, more than 100 ex-colleagues turned out to support him at court on Monday.

Dlamini is also accused of intimidating staff who reported for work and meeting with staff at Ngwelezane and Empangeni to mobilise strike action.

@RonelleRamsamy

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