Durban - KwaZulu-Natal's pathology forensic workers aligned to the Public Allied Workers Union of SA on Thursday called off their strike, said the provincial health department.
“The union announced its decision at a meeting it requested with the department's management earlier in the day where it undertook to ensure that all the striking workers return to their respective posts as per their allocated shifts immediately,” health MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo said in a statement.
Workers had been on an unprotected strike since Monday due to human resources issues.
Dhlomo said his department on Wednesday applied for a court interdict to end the strike and to stop interference with those still reporting for duty.
He said forensic pathology was regarded an “essential service” by the Labour Relations Act and workers employed in that field could therefore not embark on strike action.
For the duration of the strike, members of the SA Police Service were called in to assist with removing bodies from crime and accident scenes.
Families who lost their relatives were also advised to use the services of private funeral parlours.
Those who still experienced inconveniences on Thursday were instructed to call the department's help desk.
Sapa