GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Metro Emergency Services in certain Eastern Cape town have embarked on a strike, following a bonus payment dispute. In Graaff-Reinet, ambulances also came to a standstill, while management negotiated behind closed doors.
Metro Port Elizabeth managers could not be reached for comment on the strike, while ambulance personnel were sent home at striking offices in affected towns, which include Makhanda, Humansdorp, King Williamstown and Queenstown.
They were informed that they are not permitted to be at the office but refuse to work.
No official statement on the strike has been issued. Managers refused comment, but the Advertiser learned from a reliable source that the personnel demand overtime and bonuses, backdated from as far as 17 years ago. They also want overtime payments for four months' work during 2020.
In Graaff-Reinet, employees refused to speak about their demands to the Advertiser, and did not want to be photographed.
The Advertiser was also told that metro won't respond to accident scenes.
Marie de Vos, Hospital Manager for the Midlands Hospital, said on Tuesday that she was unaware of the strike. However, she explained that the hospital has an agreement in place to make use of private ambulance services in emergency situations.
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