Shutdown threat for services

CAPE TOWN – Strikers will ensure a complete shutdown by Friday of all government services for which they work, the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) said yesterday.

Provincial secretary Suraya Jawoodeen said Nehawu would intensify its strike action and re-mobilise all members to ensure a complete shutdown of government services by Friday. She said the Western Cape department of health was completely ‘overextending itself’ in the action it was taking against strikers by threatening disciplinary action.This would cause a ‘permanent effect’ on labour relations in the sector long after the strike was over, said Jawoodeen.Provincial health department spokesperson Faiza Steyn said she was “unaware” of the plans for a complete shutdown on Friday.She said the policy of the department remained that disciplinary action would be taken against striking workers, and the “no work, no pay” rule continued to apply.Nampa-SapaShe said the Western Cape department of health was completely ‘overextending itself’ in the action it was taking against strikers by threatening disciplinary action.This would cause a ‘permanent effect’ on labour relations in the sector long after the strike was over, said Jawoodeen.Provincial health department spokesperson Faiza Steyn said she was “unaware” of the plans for a complete shutdown on Friday.She said the policy of the department remained that disciplinary action would be taken against striking workers, and the “no work, no pay” rule continued to apply.Nampa-Sapa