Minister Phaahla: Nehawu Strike Causes Unnecessary Suffering and Frustration

Health Minister Joe Phaahla welcomed the Labour Court’s decision to prevent essential services workers from continuing with any industrial action and ordered all workers to return to work on Tuesday. Speaking at an online media briefing, the minister reflected on the court’s judgment on the striking Nehawu members, whose strike had entered its second week as reported by the SABC News.

While the union had demanded a 10% wage increase, the government had only offered 3%. The minister conveyed his concern that the strike had caused a delay in the provision of healthcare services, resulting in avoidable loss of life.

According to the minister, “The strike has caused a disturbance in the delivery of healthcare services across the country, leading to significant inconvenience and distress. The court’s decision aligns with our ministry and department’s position that workers providing essential services must not participate in any form of disruptive industrial action that poses a risk to the delivery of healthcare services and the well-being of the public.”

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