Luphert Chilwane
30 April 2009
Johannesburg — GOVERNMENT doctors who took part in an illegal strike were back at work yesterday, following an agreement which was reached on Tuesday by the SA Medical Association and the Department of Health.
In the agreement, doctors' representatives committed to ongoing negotiation with the government over salary adjustments.
About 900 state doc-tors, mostly employed in Gauteng hospitals, went on a two week unprotected strike demanding better wages and conditions.
By yesterday afternoon, doctors and government representatives were deadlocked in salary negotiations. Doctors are demanding competitive salary packages, comparable with those of other professionals. The United Doctors Forum (UDF) said it was hoping that the salary adjustment model the government proposed at the negotiations yesterday, considered the best interests of all state doctors.
UDF spokesman Rapitsi Malatji, who is also a medical doctor, said doctors' responsibilities were far more than those of government administrators, such as directors, who earned R540000, while the average senior state doctor earned R220000 a year.
Malatji said the majority of the doctors who took part in the strike were happy with the negotiation process, especially the unconditional withdrawal of dismissal letters.
The Gauteng department of health had issued dismissal letters to all striking doctors, but these were withdrawn as part of the settlement that ended the strike on Tuesday.
The doctors were now anxious about the outcome of the salary-adjustment part of the negotiations.
Fidel Radebe, health department spokesman, said the agreement called for an immediate end to the "illegal strike action" which compromised the healthcare system. He said the parties had recommitted themselves to the negotiations under way in the bargaining chamber.
"The department agreed to withdraw all dismissals and replace them with final written warnings . However, the no work, no pay principle will apply ."
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Goverment intern doctors
Monday May 21 The legacy from the beetroot era. I refer to the current attempt from DOCTORS to strike for better salaries and a better work environment.
It was with great sadness that I followed the vicious attack and threats from Government and SAMA (South Africa Medical Association)on the doctors for attempting to better their circumstances. Take note that SAMA is the body that supposes to protect its members.
While browsing through a sunday “Rapport” newspaper it suddenly dawned on me why SA Doctors are leaving our beautiful country. Please note the following imparities, so desperately defended by SAMA.???
„ Rapport“ Sunday 3rd of May the following Government position were advertised
NATIONAL PROSECUTING SERVICE (NPS) Position : TRANSLATOR Salary : R174 243 per annum. Qualification: Senior Certificate (no tertiary qaulification) Hours : 5 day week plus (8:00-17:00) lunch and tea breaks included) Study debt : Null .. COMPARE WITH : .. Position : INTERN DOCTOR (Government- hospital) Salary : R117 000 per annum Qualification: MBCHb (6-years) Hours : Availability 7-days per week (standby once a week (24 hrs) overtime more than 20 hrs per month not payable tea and lunch breaks only if workload permits. Study debt : R200 000 (studied for 6 Years)
A desperate need for a reputable TRADE UNION to drive this hopeless case is needed !!!!