Nehawu urges members to return to work

Health workers' union, Nehawu is calling on members who had stayed away from work to report for duty immediately. 

Some 2400 employees had illegally downed tools across the country as they demanded an 8% increase. 

A 7% settlement has been agreed to between the parties, averting a full blown national strike which would have kicked off later this week. 

The union's Sizwe Pamla says they are happy that the strike has been avoided. 

"We were also reluctant participants in strike. As much as we had no choice but lead our members, we're very much aware of the implications and the costs that the strike would affect. Not on anyone but the people of South Africa who rely on the institutions for their diagnostic outcomes in terms of tests and other processes," he said. 

Under the agreement, those who had been suspended for striking illegally will be allowed to return to work.

(File photo: Gallo Images)