Daily News reports that nurses at Life Entabeni Hospital in Durban embarked on a strike on Tuesday after failing to reach common ground with Life Healthcare regarding backpay.
On Tuesday, nurses protested near the hospital and were expected to continue to do so on Wednesday. Earlier this month it was reported that nurses at Life Westville and Life Chatsmed Gardens hospitals were ready to embark on a full-blown strike if their request for a wage increase was not met. According to a Life Healthcare statement, they came to an agreement with Life Westville and Life Chatsmed hospitals after a revised offer of a 6% pay increase was tendered. Staff at Life Entabeni said they were willing to accept the revised offer on the understanding that they would receive backpay from January. However, they were informed that they would receive backpay from February. National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) regional secretary Prince Mthalane advised further: “The employer is now offering 6%, which it says is going to be effective from February, which we don’t accept. They must give the increment from January 1.” Life Healthcare said it was looking for a quick resolution to the stand-off.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Winston Mfeka at Daily News
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