The National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) says they are not bothered by the Labour Appeal Court interdicting public servants affiliated to the union from continuing striking. On Wednesday, less than fifty protesters gathered outside the Social Development department in Johannesburg CBD chanting struggle songs. It seems the department knew prior to their arrival as they hired private security to maintain the peace. Protesters said the strike is not solely about health care workers but all public servants. They marched from one government department to the other, chanted songs and then moved on to the next. There were no disruptions, however all the departments were guarded by additional private security.

WON'T BE STOPPED

Speaking to ZiMoja, Nehawu Regional Chairperson Wanda Pendu said they are not fazed by the court interdict. "On what grounds will they dismiss workers because the strike is legal. They were interdicting us based on violent threats and we have not been violent. As you can see those who want to work are going into their work spaces without being bothered by anyone," he said. He explained that with the issue of essential workers they've been engaging with the relevant bodies in public health though their stewards.

 "We warned them before the strike to prepare themselves to do what's right or prepare for the worst. They can't throw "essential workers," at us when they are talking about cleaners they must be clear who they are referring to." He said on normal day workers are treated differently and according to their job description but now that there is a strike everyone is being referred to as being essential. "The very same management is classist, salaries and treatment vary. What people earn doesn't show that they are deemed as important."

NOT ALL ABOUT HEALTH WORKERS

Pendu said people have the misconception that the strike is about health care workers which is not the case. "The strike is for all public servants and that is why we are moving from one government department to the other to emphasise that everyone is affected. We still demand that 10% and are not willing to take anything less."

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HEALTH WORKERS WARNED

The Department of Health warned that any employee who fails to comply with the court order interdicting the current strike action will be committing an act of misconduct which is subject to disciplinary action, including possible dismissal. Nehawu has been on industrial action since 6 March 2023 with workers are demanding 10% salary increase, while government has offered 4.7%. "Any person committing any criminal acts in pursuit of the strike action will be subjected to criminal proceedings by the law enforcement agencies. Over and above, what is stated [is that] all managers are obliged to apply the principle of 'no work, no pay', and this should be applied with immediate effect,' said Minister Joe Phaahla. The court order, he said, "unequivocally' calls on Nehawu leadership to inform and call on all their essential services members to return to work with immediate effect.