Care workers to hold night vigil

COMMUNITY health-care workers (CHWs) will hold a night vigil and a picket in the parking area at Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital in Kimberley on Thursday night in an attempt to be permanently absorbed by the Department of Health.

National Union of Public Services and Allied Workers (Nupsaw) provincial organiser Thapelo Thole said members from all districts of the Province would stage pickets when they appeared before the Public Health and Social Development Sectoral Bargaining Council (PHSDSBC) on Friday.

He added that they rejected the 6.9 percent salary increase offer of the employer and were insisting on a minimum of a R12 000 per month salary.

“The department may review the current salaries of CHWs where their income will be reduced.

“Other grievances include the unfair dismissal of workers and the non-payment of benefits such as provident fund and medical aid.”

Thole added that CHWs were aggrieved that their employment was automatically terminated when they turned 60.

“CHWs are not being offered employment elsewhere in the department where they are able to work as cleaners and porters.

“The Northern Cape should follow the example of the Gauteng Department of Health in permanently employing CHWs with benefits.”