EMS striking personnel urged to report for duty

Thursday, October 16, 2014

By More Matshediso

Pretoria - Gauteng Department of Health says normal emergency services have not yet been severely affected by the illegal and unprotected strike of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel.

The department on Thursday called on all personnel who form part of the illegal strike, which started on Monday, to return to work with immediate effect.

“The strike was initially confined to the rural areas of Tshwane,” said the department.

It said the management of the department, in conjunction with all the municipalities in Gauteng, have begun implementing contingency measures to ensure continued services to the public.

Acting MEC for Health, Lebogang Maile, said the management team of the department met with the unions today to look at the issues that are being raised by the workers.

“We remain committed to addressing the grievances of our employees. Workers must explore and use proper channels of engagement in the workplace," the acting MEC said.

He added that he has instructed the acting head of the Department of Health to engage the unions.

The department said it will seek an interdict to stop striking workers from engaging in criminal acts, and from intimidating other workers.

“Disciplinary action will be taken against employees who continue to intimidate other workers,” the department said.

"While workers have a right to express their dissatisfaction, it is unacceptable to engage in criminal acts and destroy state property. We encourage workers to go back to work while discussions with management are on-going,” said the acting MEC.

He said the department wants to assure the public that it will not tolerate actions of employees that will put the lives of other people at risk and compromise service delivery. - SAnews.gov.za