Health employees with Emergency Medical Services (EMS) accuse the health department of failing to provide uniforms and victimising workers who can’t afford to buy them.
Nozuko Nokele, an EMS Amathole information manager, claims she was “forcefully removed” from work last week because she was not wearing a uniform.
Employees say the department is meant to provide them with two winter shirts, two summer shirts, two pairs of trousers, a pair of shoes, a jersey, a tie and a belt. The department is also meant to provide a jacket. However last year they received one shirt each, trousers that were too big and no shoes.
Nokele said no shoes, tie, belt or jersey were offered.
“I ended up giving the pants to one of my colleagues who needed it and I bought myself new pants. We are not paid enough to buy our own uniform,” she said.
Things turned ugly when Nokele reported for duty last Thursday, and security officers were instructed to take her outside. “They said I don’t belong here because I can’t buy my uniform,” she said.
“I’ve never been given full uniform since 2007.”
This was despite having to work four days at a time.
“ One uniform is not sufficient at all,” she added.
The Public Service Association’s shop steward Pete Martins said Nokele’s case had been reported to them.
Health spokesman Siyanda Manana said it was their policy to provide uniform to staff every two years and Nokele had received hers in the past two years but she refused to comply with the requirements of wearing uniform.
Manana said EMS staff had to maintain a professional image at all times.
“When staff arrive in inappropriate attire they are asked to go home and return in proper attire. If they comply, there’s no need to escort them off the premises.
“Staff are to wear navy and white attire until the department stock arrives.” — vuyiswav@dispatch.co.za
Medical staff in uniform dispute
Nozuko Nokele, an EMS Amathole information manager, claims she was “forcefully removed” from work last week because she was not wearing a uniform.
Employees say the department is meant to provide them with two winter shirts, two summer shirts, two pairs of trousers, a pair of shoes, a jersey, a tie and a belt. The department is also meant to provide a jacket. However last year they received one shirt each, trousers that were too big and no shoes.
Nokele said no shoes, tie, belt or jersey were offered.
“I ended up giving the pants to one of my colleagues who needed it and I bought myself new pants. We are not paid enough to buy our own uniform,” she said.
Things turned ugly when Nokele reported for duty last Thursday, and security officers were instructed to take her outside. “They said I don’t belong here because I can’t buy my uniform,” she said.
“I’ve never been given full uniform since 2007.”
This was despite having to work four days at a time.
“ One uniform is not sufficient at all,” she added.
The Public Service Association’s shop steward Pete Martins said Nokele’s case had been reported to them.
Health spokesman Siyanda Manana said it was their policy to provide uniform to staff every two years and Nokele had received hers in the past two years but she refused to comply with the requirements of wearing uniform.
Manana said EMS staff had to maintain a professional image at all times.
“When staff arrive in inappropriate attire they are asked to go home and return in proper attire. If they comply, there’s no need to escort them off the premises.
“Staff are to wear navy and white attire until the department stock arrives.” — vuyiswav@dispatch.co.za
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