The National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers (NUPSAW) has welcomed the temporary solution to the contractual impasse between Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP) staff and the Department of Health in Gauteng.
NUPSAW has taken note of the 12-month contract extension of EPWP workers within the department after a circular was issued – intending to terminate the contracts of the current employees.
As a Union, we took to the streets from the 17th to the 18th of March 2022 and occupied the Gauteng health department- with the intention of forcing the provincial government to rescind that notice.
On Friday, 01 April 2022, in the meeting between NUPSAW and Gauteng department of health, facilitated by the premier’s office, the department announced that it will not be going forward with its plan to dismiss EPWP workers.
We are pleased with the contract extension because a different outcome would have set our course for permanent absorption miles back.
As a union, we will continue to forge ahead with the call for permanent employment of EPWP workers because they play a critical role in the upkeep and wellbeing of the health sector.
This victory comes at the back of yet another win for the working class. Following our intense mass demonstration outside the Gauteng Health department last month, the department has also announced that it will not be terminating over 800 Covid-19 contract workers – which includes doctors and nurses.
We are happy with the momentum that we are building towards the ultimate goal of permanent employment of EPWP, CHW, ECD and insourcing of Security officers and cleaners.
The struggle continues henceforth. We will continue to mobile workers across all provinces to fight against the oppressive and exploitative employers wherever they dare to rear their ugly heads.
For media inquiries and interviews, contact NUPSAW General Secretary Solly Malema on 082 323 29858 or Media officer on 078 935 2125