Eastern Cape Department of Health Forensic Pathology workers have dropped their tools and embarked on a strike.
A media statement released today, 23 August 2022 state that workers from Alfred Nzo, OR Tambo, Amathole and BCM refuse to work up until their grievances are met.
“The workers from BCM, Amathole, OR Tambo and Alfred Nzo have downed tools, demanding the immediate payment for the overtime that is above 30% of their salaries”.
According to the media statement the strike is unlawful, because forensic services are essential to society.
Health MEC Nomakhosazana Meth, raises her concerns on the matter and also ensures the people of Eastern Cape that the matter is being attended with urgency.
“A meeting between management and labour is discussing these matters. We hope that we will find one another other and ensure we continue serving the people of the Eastern Cape with efficiency.
“We are appealing to communities to please bear with us until this has been resolved” she said.
In continuation in providing services in the Eastern Cape the Department has contingency plans put in place.
“These include emergency procurement of funeral parlors to pick up bodies and transport to the Department mortuaries” as stated in the media statement.
An update will be provided by the Department after the meeting which will take place today with the labour unions on the way forward.
