National lab services could be hit hard by strike
Nehawu is threatening a full blown strike if the National Health Laboratory Service doesn't meet their demands.
Members in KZN have been out protesting in the Durban CBD today.
They want a 13% pay hike and a housing allowance of R2000 but the employer says it doesn't have the money.
The NHLS has instead put an offer of 7.3% on the table which Nehawu says it's still consulting its members on.
The union's Phakamani Ndunakazi says their other demands include a core skills allowance and rural allowance both of which it says will help retain employees in the public sector.
"Those are key fundamental demands that we think forces us to go on strike. That's why we're having a strike today and tomorrow. If they are not budging then will have an indefinite strike," he says.
On the NHLS's claim it can't afford the 13% salary increase, Ndunakazi says the reason is simple.
"The NHLS doesn't have the money - they've [spent] the money. We know that board members are getting exorbitant salaries and bonuses so that's the issue currently," he says.