At least 24,000 healthcare already tested positive for the coronavirus in the country so far, and over 100 fatalities were recorded
The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) said on Tuesday that it was stepping ahead with plans to stage national protests amid an increase in the COVID-19 infection rate among frontline workers.
At least 24,000 healthcare workers had tested positive for the coronavirus in the country so far, and over 100 fatalities were recorded.
Dr Zweli Mkhize, Health Minister said that the government’s top priority is to protect health workers but it was claimed by Nehawu that government had failed its members.
Last week, Mkhize mentioned that he would arranged a meeting with Nehawu and other labour unions soon. This is in a bid to stop the threatened protest action.
Khaya Xaba, Nehawu spokesperson said that they would go ahead with at least seven demonstrations scheduled nationally over the next two months. This is as a result of the government’s negligence towards the health workers.
“The issue of the protection of our members has always been there since the outbreak of the virus, and all our pleas and demands have fallen on deaf ears,” Xaba said.
Nehawu said that their biggest concerns included poor compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act as well as poor training of frontline workers in dealing with COVID-19.
The union also said that a meeting was scheduled for Thursday with Mkhize, but they could not withdraw their protests because talks with the government to address their issues has so far failed.
