IFP Concerned About ‘Protracted’ Strike

06 June 2007

The IFP is concerned about the effect the protracted strike of civil servants - and health care practitioners and teachers in particular - is having on the affected public institutions in KwaZulu Natal.

"We are most concerned about the patients in public hospitals, many of them terminally ill and vulnerable, who have become victims in a dubious bid by the strikers to impress the public and intimidate the authorities," said Leader of the Official Opposition in the KwaZulu Natal Provincial Parliament Dr Lionel Mtshali MPP.

The IFP has been particularly shocked by the reports of some strikers blocking the traffic to Inkosi Albert Luthuli Memorial Hospital in Durban this morning and carrying weapons to disrupt health care services.

"The IFP is disgusted by the instances of public violence that have accompanied the strike in the province. We denounce violence as a bargaining tool in the strongest language," said Dr Mtshali.

The IFP likewise questions the commitment of teachers, who so light-heartedly jeopardise the futures of their pupils, to their chosen vocation.

"Our hearts go out to the pupils in public schools whose examinations at such a crucial time in their schooling have been recklessly interrupted by the striking teachers," said Dr Mtshali.

The IFP has greatest respect for the workers' rights but, in this instance, cannot help but question the strikers' means.

"While we often sympathise with the public servants' demands for higher wages and better working conditions, we believe that the strikers have made their point. Now it is time to get back to work," said Dr Mtshali.

Contact: Dr Lionel Mtshali, 083 256 4902