The Health and Allied Workers Indaba Trade Union (HAITU) has accused Life Brenthurst Clinic in Parktown, Johannesburg of intentionally delaying action on the sexual harassment case at the institution.
HAITU general secretary Lerato Mthunzi said a nurse was sexually harassed by her senior and later fired from her duties after refusing to fall prey to her line manager.
Mthunzi said the union attempted to contact Life Brenthurst on the sexual harassment case, which was ignored until the healthcare facility called for an urgent meeting on the matter.
The line manager, who has been with Life Brenthurst for nearly 30 years, numerously attempted to touch the nurse inappropriately and always forged a plan to be alone with her, according to Mthunzi.
The line manager allegedly negotiated sex in exchange for favours at work, and she could not report him due to fear of losing her job. Within three months of working for the institution, she was dismissed.
“Eventually, because she refused to give in to his advances, the line manager started a process to try and remove and frustrate her in the workplace by concocting charges on the claim that certain drugs ‘went missing’ during her shift.
“She was taken through a disciplinary hearing and then dismissed.
“HAITU is defending her and a case of unfair labour practices has been referred to the CCMA [Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration] where she is appealing.
“At the same time, she has decided to blow the whistle on this line manager, because it is likely that she is not the only one and his reign of terror will continue.
“As a result of his actions, she is deeply traumatized and is also suffering from depression. She has been seeing a therapist in order to cope with the negative effects of the harassment,” said Mthunzi in a statement.
Mthunzi said the union demanded an urgent meeting with management only to find that the line manager was still on duty while investigations into the matter were ongoing.
“They were interviewing possible witnesses while the man was around. How can they expect workers to speak freely under such circumstances?
“The proper way of dealing with this is for him to be suspended pending an independent investigation into this matter. Thankfully, we managed to persuade them, and they have promised that he will be suspended pending an independent investigation.”
Gauteng police spokesperson Mavela Masondo confirmed that a case has been registered.
“A case of sexual assault was opened at Hillbrow police station and transferred to family violence, child protection and sexual offences unit, where it is under investigation. No arrest has been made,” said Masondo.
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