This news aggregator site highlights South African labour news from a wide range of internet and print sources. Each posting has a synopsis of the source article, together with a link or reference to the original. Postings cover the range of labour related matters from industrial relations to generalist human resources.
Timeslive reports that the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) hosted a dialogue on Thursday on the balance between the right to access of healthcare and the right of healthcare providers such as nurses to protest.
The dialogue was held to work out the true impact that strikes have on healthcare. Violent protests calling for the resignation of former North West premier Supra Mahumapelo resulted in a collapse of healthcare in the province. Hospital staff were barred from accessing patients and performing their duties and lives were reportedly lost as a consequence. In May‚ healthcare providers at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital went on strike over unpaid bonuses and blockaded gates to the hospital. Mark Heywood of NGO Section 27 submitted that protest actions by healthcare providers often had long-term ramifications. “Whatever the cause‚ it’s unlawful and it’s a violation of rights‚” he argued. Putting North West into perspective‚ Stats SA spokesman Ashwell Jenneker said it was a province with a high rate of dissatisfaction towards public healthcare. Cassim Lekgoathi of the Democratic Nursing Organisation of SA (Denosa) noted that when government made an agreement with employees but did not fulfil it‚ the lack of action amounted to provocation. KZN Health MEC Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo said government ought to not place workers in unfavourable working conditions that could lead to a revolt.
- Read this report by Kgaugelo Masweneng in full at Timeslive
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page