The Health Department was locked in a meeting with the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) and unions to break the impasse over wage negotiations.
This takes place amid threats by some unions to embark on strike action following the failure to reach an agreement with the Health Department.
A dispute has already been lodged with the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) for conciliation, but has been stayed pending further negotiations.
This has sparked fears that public clinics and hospitals, which receive more than 80% of all pathology diagnostic services from NHLS, will be at the receiving end if the strike went ahead.
Health department spokesperson Joe Maila said the meeting was called following concerns for the welfare of the people.
“We are trying to find a way to get the parties to agree with one another.”
Both the National Education Health and Allied Workers Union and the Public Servants Association (PSA), have tabled for salary increases ranging between 7.3% and 13%.
It is believed the NHLS is offering 3% due to funding challenges. However, this could not be confirmed as it did not respond to media questions. NHLS acting chief executive officer Shabir Madhi confirmed the question of salary increases had not yet been resolved.
He said the CCMA had issued unions with a certificate to embark on a protected strike.
“The NHLS has, however, not yet received a notice from labour of its intention to embark on a strike, and NHLS management remains engaged with labour to finding an amicable
solution to avert the strike,” he said.
Nehawu spokesperson Khaya Xaba said it tabled a 13% salary increase demand, but the NHLS has yet to make a counter-offer.
“The response of the NHLS will be a determining factor with regard to our next step,” said Xaba.
Leon Gilbert, PSA’s assistant general manager for collective bargaining, said their demand was 7.3%, but claimed to have no money in its coffers. “Our demand is reasonable under the current circumstances. Hopefully, they will find the money,” Gilbert said.
Approached for comment, Health and Other Service Personnel Trade Union of SA general secretary Noel Desfontaines said “we are seeking a mandate”.