The Star reports that Professor Shabir Madhi, acting CE of the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS), on Monday condemned an indication by the National Education Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) that it would be intensifying its strike action.  

He said that the biggest obstacle faced by national health laboratories was that unions were undermining the South African public.  He also rebuked Nehawu for what he said had been vandalism of NHLS property by union members during the strike.  The union began the strike last week after deadlocked negotiations with the employer and has vowed to intensify the strike should its members reject the 7.3% offer from the NHLS.  Five thousand workers are currently on strike, and both the NHLS and Nehawu have conceded that the action is gravely affecting services.  Nehawu has made allegations that NHLS board members have interests in the private laboratories used by the state entity and it has demanded full disclosure of all the monies paid to such laboratories prior and during the strike.  But, Madhi slammed this contention and said it was a useless attempt “to deceive the public that there are other vested interests at play.”

• Read this report by Khaya Koko in full at The Star

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