Thousands of community health workers to wait another year for a possible permanent employment

Thousands of community health workers at the forefront of the fight against Covid-19 may have to wait for another year before being absorbed as the government wants the agreement to consider permanently employing them extended.

the Health and Other Services Personnel Trade Union of SA – are considering the government’s offer to extend the deal reached in 2018. However, the agreement had a clause making provision for the resolution to be extended for two consecutive terms.

According to the PSA, if the draft agreement enjoys majority support, its lifespan will be extended until July 10, 2022, which will mean the estimated 60 000 community health workers will be employed for another 12 months while their representatives try to resolve their permanent employment.

Community health workers are paid a non-service remuneration of R3 500 a month if they have completed matric or have experience and can benefit from recognition of prior learning.