Statement: R2K KZN calls on Dr Tshabalala to urgently address Prince Mshiyeni Hospital worker’s demands!
R2K KZN calls on Prince Mshiyeni Hospital CEO, Dr Tshabalala and the KZN Department of Health to urgently intervene in ending the current strike that’s affecting services at the hospital.
The hospital’s general workers are on strike since Monday last week demanding an end to labour brokering. They say all the workers that are working in government premises must be fully employed by government and not by labour brokers. The affected services includes cleaning, catering, gardening and security.
The workers claim that their attempt to engage with the management of the hospital has failed. “It seems as if this is a game which may lead to our demand to be not heard.”
The workers reportedly tried to meet the hospital CEO on Monday and he promised he will try to get other relevant structures to meet them at Umlazi residence. But the meeting did not materialise.
The hospital serves communities such as Umlazi, Umbumbulu, Umkomaas, Umgababa, Lamontville and many more. All these communities mentioned above are affected by the situation happening at the hospital.
R2K KZN is appalled by the hospital’s continuous support afforded to exploitative outsourcing contractors who signs lucrative contracts with the hospital but compensate workers with meagre salaries.
According to the workers, SAPS came with Durban Metro Police to threaten the strikers yesterday. As R2K KZN, we want to remind the law enforcement agencies that there are strict rules they need to abide by when it comes to the use of force against protesters. Our Constitution guarantees our right to protest including non-violent but very disruptive protests. The right to organise, protest and speak out is central to all community struggles for social justice!
