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Johannesburg - Striking laboratory workers will march in
Sandringham, Johannesburg, on Wednesday to hand over a list of demands, a union
spokesperson said.
"We will be marching to the headquarters of the National
Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) at noon to hand over our memorandum,"
said National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union (Nehawu) spokesperson
Sizwe Pamla.
"Our demands remain the same and we still have no
feedback from the employer."
About 1 500 workers across the country went on strike from
Monday over pay.
A notice of intention to strike was served on the NHLS on
Thursday. Negotiations had been ongoing since April.
Nehawu wanted a 9.5% increase and R2 300 monthly medical aid
benefit, backdated to May 1.
The NHLS, an independent agent contracted to the health
department, had offered a 6.5% increase and R2 100 for medical aid.
The union said it represents about a quarter of NHLS staff.
Two other representative unions, the Public Servants
Association of SA and the Health and Other Service Personnel Trade Union of SA,
had apparently agreed to a set increase.
"We have seen many workers leave these unions to sign
up with us as they agree they don't want the offer on the table," Pamla
said.
"We have had about 300 new members join in the last two
days."
The strikers include lab analysts and support staff.
Operations at public hospitals nationwide could be affected by a delay in
pathology reports and diagnostic tests.
Pamla said hospitals could be outsourcing these functions at
a cost to avoid delays.
