The Department of Health is locked in a battle with unions over the lack of protective gear, with the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) approaching the Labour Court to apply for an interdict.

Samwu general-secretary Dumisane Magagula says it is the responsibility of the municipality to ensure a safe working environment for employees.

“We reiterate our earlier stance that in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, it is the responsibility of the employer to ensure and maintain a working environment which is safe for workers. This very same act prohibits employers from victimising workers or reducing their salaries for refusing to work in unsafe environments.”

Magagula says the union is aware of complaints that municipal workers were being forced to take leave if they fail to perform certain services during the lockdown.

“Workers have reported that municipalities have been forcing them to apply for leave during this 21-day lockdown, as they would not be on duty for the entire duration. These are days that workers have accumulated and, as such, they cannot be taken away from them as a result of an unfortunate global disaster which is not of their own making.”

The union says workers are under no obligation to sign any leave forms, even when they return to work after the lockdown.

Jacaranda FM