Nehawu has put its strike plans on hold. Picture: Armand Hough / African News Agency (ANA)
THE NATIONAL Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) has postponed its national strike plans for two weeks to mobilise more members, following the president's failure to respond to its demands.
However, the union said it will continue with its lunch-hour demonstrations until President Cyril Ramaphosa responds to their demands.
The union was scheduled to embark on a national shutdown on September 10, withdrawing labour in all sectors, if there was no favourable response.
The union held a press conference yesterday after its special NEC meeting at the weekend to discuss the president's failure to respond and to map a way forward on the full-blown strike.
It is demanding safer working conditions for front-line staff fighting the Covid-19 pandemic and better salaries.
Nehawu general secretary Zola Saphetha said that under Level 2 regulations the union had 33% of workers in the workforce while 67% was still at home.
“The president is expected to announce the relaxation of levels and the possibility of more workers going back to work. This gives us sufficient time to mobilise our members."
The protests will affect private and public health, parastatals, higher education and private and public social development.