‘I have been victimised’: More than R4k ‘deducted’ from Gauteng EMS workers who refused unpaid overtime

More than R4,300 has been deducted from the pay of Gauteng Emergency Medical Services (EMS) workers who refused to work unpaid overtime at their Hillbrow, Selby, and Mofolo bases. At least 17 workers have been suspended or charged with misconduct, with one worker stating he no longer fears retaliation, having already been victimised.

Three workers - Bongani, Sipho, and Lucky - shared their experiences. They allege their pay was docked due to refusing to work beyond 160 hours a month, which is the official limit. They also said they were suspended and charged. The dispute began when workers stopped working after 160 hours, leading to the department warning about misconduct for leaving shifts without approval.

The overtime policy, which took effect in September 2024, allows overtime hours to be pre-arranged and agreed upon in writing with the Line Manager. The workers claim the department has been docking their pay for two days in each of four months, totaling R4,300. They also noted that overtime had not been paid for years.