Entabeni Hospital staff protest over wage increase
Nurses and administrative staff at Entabeni Hospital downed tools yesterday morning in a bid to intensify their wage demands.
They've been protested outside the Durban hospital, demanding a 7% wage increase and have rejected management's offer of 6%.
"It's a hard and tiring job. It's a 12-hour job, I've got children to feed and family to feed so I can't take anything less than 6%," said the worker.
Determined to make their voices heard. Staff members at Entabeni Hospital picketed from early this morning, saying all they are asking for is a 'living wage'.
READ: Nurses at Life Westville Hospital picket for 7% pay increase
The workers who belong to trade union Nehawu have been locked in wage negotiations since October last year.
In addition to the 7% raise, they are also demanding back pay to January this year.
Hospital staff at Entabeni Hospital are protesting today for better wages. They will not accept the 5% that was offered. @ECR_Newswatch pic.twitter.com/DTALoJogib
— Lauren_Beukes39 (@LBeukes39) February 11, 2020
They vow to continue their protests until their demands are met. In the meantime, non-union staff continue to work at the hospital.
A worker said, "The staff are willing to stay out for as long as it takes. At the moment they've got agency staff and they've got staff that don't belong to the union that has been working in the wards."
Private hospital operator, Life Healthcare says protest action by staff at Life Entabeni hasn't hampered healthcare services at the Durban-based hospital.
Staff demanded higher pay at Life Healthcare's Westville and Chatsmed hospitals last week. The group says negotiations at Entabeni will continue.
