Workers at Zeerust Hospital End Strike After Constructive Meeting with North West Health MEC

Workers at Zeerust Hospital in the Ramotshere-Moiloa Sub-District have called off their two-day strike and returned to work following a crucial meeting led by North West Health MEC, Sello Lehari, earlier today. The meeting, attended by provincial, district, and hospital management, along with the Chairperson of the hospital board and a local councillor, provided a platform for the workers to voice their grievances.

The workers, represented by the unions DENOSA, NEHAWU, and HOSPERSA, had staged the protest to demand action on several critical issues. At the heart of their concerns was the overdue payment of 30% overtime, a matter they believe is exacerbating other significant problems such as severe staff shortages, unfilled replacement posts, outdated structures, excessive acting positions, and the need for the translation of employee ranks. Additionally, they called for the appointment of a full-time CEO.

Other concerns raised included the need for personnel to distribute patients’ food, better management of the food service tender, consultation on nurses’ uniforms, the utilization of renovated but unused wards, and the overall upgrading of the hospital’s infrastructure.

In response, MEC Lehari assured the workers that most of the issues were already being addressed, although a communication gap between management and staff had hindered the flow of information. He emphasized that the meeting’s goal was to find solutions, not merely to acknowledge the problems.

“The core issue, which is payment of overtime exceeding 30%, is receiving attention at the highest level. The CFO has confirmed that the Department has set aside approximately R51 million to pay all eligible workers. We are ready to proceed with these payments, pending approval from the National Department of Public Service and Administration. I commit to following up with the national ministry and will provide feedback within seven days,” said MEC Lehari.

MEC Lehari also encouraged ongoing dialogue between management and the unions to address the workers’ concerns. He revealed that R71 million had been allocated for the hospital’s upgrade, a project that is about to commence but had not been communicated to the workers. Furthermore, the demand for filling vacant posts is being met, with advertisements for nursing positions expected soon.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with workers agreeing to resume their duties. The Acting Hospital CEO pledged to collaborate closely with the unions to resolve any remaining issues and to ensure regular communication with the staff.

This resolution marks a significant step towards improving working conditions at Zeerust Hospital, ensuring better service delivery to the community.