"The announcement has cemented nurses’ long-held view that they are not appreciated despite their great contribution, most of which has seen many patients recovering from Covid-19," union president Simon Hlungwani said in a statement.

He said nurses were overlooked in the relief package despite their salaries not being adjusted by April 1, as per a collective agreement.

Denosa and other unions would have to declare a dispute at the Public Service Co-ordinating Bargaining Council against government for not honouring the agreement, he said.

Hlungwani added there was still no counselling support for nurses despite the number of Covid-19 patients increasing and additional staff not being employed. 

"Denosa would like to highlight that nurses are extremely disappointed that not a single one of the above challenges has been acknowledged and addressed by cabinet. This has deflated their morale to an extreme low, and it is not unreasonable to feel the way they do."

He said it was not too late for Ramaphosa and health minister Zweli Mkhize to address the "oversight". 

"As a matter of urgency, Denosa national leaders are currently seeking an audience with both the minister of health and president over these urgent matters. 

"Overall, Denosa welcomes the various relief packages that the president announced because poverty as a result of the lockdown was threatening to create a new health crisis for many patients who are on chronic medication and would not be able to take their medication on empty stomachs."

The South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union (Saccawu) said it was concerned with the rising number of Covid-19 cases in the retail sector.

In a statement, the union called on employers in the sector to stop all acts of "unilateralism disguised as interventions" to prevent the spread of Covid-19, when in fact they were pursuing cost saving measures at the expense of workers.  

Political party, Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD) said it was worried that essential service workers such as cashiers, petrol attendants, security guards and cleaners were not included in the economic and social relief measures announced by the president. 

Party leader Mbahare Kekana said the workers were risking their lives to serve the nation during the national lockdown.

African News Agency (ANA)