Orderlies at the National Psychiatric Referral Hospital in Eswatini have stopped reporting for night duty due to unpaid overtime for July and August. In a letter dated October 30, the employees stated that their decision was prompted by the continued non-payment of overtime despite their commitment to carrying out night-duty responsibilities. The workers hope for an urgent resolution to the matter.
The dispute began with an earlier intervention by the National Public Services and Allied Workers Union (NAPSAWU) on September 15, which temporarily halted planned action. However, the orderlies claim their overtime claim forms for July and August were not approved or signed by the hospital administrator, despite government provisions for overtime payments. They also alleged selective approval of overtime claims and victimisation.
The orderlies raised concerns over unpaid hardship allowances despite the hazardous nature of their duties at the psychiatric facility. The latest decision to withdraw their services during night shifts signals a renewed escalation of the dispute. Efforts to resolve the matter had centred on outstanding claims for two months, but the workers are no longer willing to continue reporting for night duty while the matter remains unresolved.
The absence of orderlies during night shifts has resulted in chaos, with nurses stating that attending to patients would be cumbersome without them. The nurses also stated that the facility would not be able to admit new patients without the orderlies. Insiders reported that the first two nights without orderlies had been chaotic, with male patients vandalising a television set at the male rehab ward.
NAPSAWU President Bawinile Ndlovu appreciated the ministry of public service for urgently attending to the Psychiatric Hospital orderlies' matter. She said the ministry ensured that the issues were addressed, citing last Friday's communication on the approval to have the orderlies paid for overtime worked. Ndlovu wished for the orderlies to return to work while the payment process is underway.
The ministry of public service approved overtime payments for orderlies at the National Psychiatric Referral Hospital in April, with an authorisation valid until March 31, 2027. Principal Secretary Mthunzi Shabangu confirmed that the ministry of health had been granted authority to pay the orderlies for approved overtime hours worked under the existing three-shift system.
The dispute over the shift system dates back to August, when the orderlies protested against unsafe working conditions and demanded the introduction of a two-shift arrangement. The ministry of public service is currently assessing the existing three-shift system at the hospital to determine its operational and service delivery requirements and possible alternatives.
Key points
- Orderlies at Eswatini's National Psychiatric Referral Hospital stop night shifts over unpaid overtime.
- The ministry of public service approved overtime payments for orderlies in April.
- The dispute has resulted in chaos and damage at the hospital.
