ANARCHY AT WESKOPPIES HOSPITAL

I have received reports of virtual anarchy at the Weskoppies Mental Hospital in Pretoria. Senior managers have been evicted after weeks of protests by workers because of "no work no pay" deductions arising from the strike last year.

It appears that instead of deductions over three months (February, March and April), it was done over two months only (February and March). Furthermore, rest days were wrongly included as days of absence.

Since unrest started on 14 March there have been daily mass meetings, primarily led by the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA).

Last week, managers involved with administration and labour relations were forcefully evicted, some sustaining injuries in the process. A complaint has been laid with the Pretoria West Police.

Considerable damage was caused to hospital property, including the historic Administration Block. Other managers also feel threatened.

It is a highly unsatisfactory situation that the Gauteng Health Department has allowed to escalate out of control. Firm action is needed to ensure that the hospital is not disrupted further, and the unions involved should be held liable for the actions of their members.

Statement issued by Jack Bloom MPL, DA Gauteng Health Spokesman, April 6 2011

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