Fort Napier pathologists say concerns not heard
Forensic pathologists at Pietermaritzburg's Fort Napier Mortuary who have been on a go-slow since last month - say they feel their concerns are falling on deaf ears.
"We sympathise with the families but the MEC must take the full wrap of it. He started action as a last resort. He has to take full accountability of the grieving families," one worker said.
This worker says staff have been raising concerns over working hours, pay and working conditions - for a while now.
But according to him, they are yet to receive answers from the provincial heath department.
"We have documentation that proves what [the department] has done was incorrect - you've admitted that you owe us this money. Do not pass the buck to the national government of health. You are trying to save KZN from paying the money and passing the buck. We are prepared to go head on this issue,' he said.
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KZN Health and the SAPS had to step in last weekend, to perform post mortems on the bodies of 26 people - after grieving families were forced to delay their burials. Ahead of a meeting with the national bargaining council this week, MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo said they'd engaged with unions and told them that while some challenges are at an advanced stage of being dealt with others are beyond their control.
Provincial government's Cecil Msomi says mortuary staff need to return to work.
"We really want to implore those employees to appeal to their conscience to return to work immediately. If that fails, government will have to institute the court order and disciplinary action will be taken against them," Msomi said.
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