Rusternburg Hospital Agreement 28- 07 - 06

Media alert

Agreement at Rustenburg Hospital

Following a sit-in by staff at Rustenburg Provincial Hospital yesterday, 27 July, a written agreement was reached between the Head of the North West Department of Health, Dr LK Sebego, and three COSATU-affiliated unions - NEHAWU, SADNU and DENODSA.

The unions were demanding a written commitment from management that all charges against workers who participated in picketing during the trade unions’ Service Delivery Campaign be withdrawn, and the removal of the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer.

The terms of the agreement are that:

1. The department will withdraw disciplinary processes against workers who were involved in the demonstration of 20 June 2006, and further that workers will not be victimised.
2. The Chief Executive Officer, Ms M Bolokwe, will be given a leave of absence for a few days in order to allow the investigations on allegations against her to be concluded.
3. The Head of Department will arrange an urgent meeting with the leadership of COSATU in order to pave the way forward on all the matters raised.

For more information and interviews, please phone
Solly Phetoe, COSATU North West Provincial Secretary, on 082 304 4055 or 018 462 2406