Health Workers Suspend Strike, Await Negotiations With Government
Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora has strongly rejected the proposed strike by public hospital doctors and nurses, asserting that no patriotic Zimbabwean would engage in industrial action while the government is addressing their concerns.
His remarks come in response to the announcement by essential health staff to strike from February 29 to March 2, seeking higher wages. The Health Apex Council, representing doctors and nurses, stated that they would proceed with the strike if their demands for improved wages were not addressed by the Health Service Commission.
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However, Mombeshora, speaking to journalists during an annual progress report meeting on patient safety in Harare on Wednesday, stated that organizers of the planned strike should postpone their action until discussions between the government and the disgruntled workforce are resumed.
“About the intended strike, we understand they wanted to start today (Wednesday) but I don’t think any well-meaning Zimbabwean would do that.
“Those who want to engage in industrial action have other motives other than not serving their country’s health service.
“We called them discussing what they want government to do for them and if not, may they tell us who is capable,” Mombeshora said.
The minister stated that the government would address the grievances of health workers but emphasized that resolving the issues cannot be done “at the click of a finger.”
“We are on record as the Ministry of Health stating that we are looking into their concerns of bettering their conditions of service.
“As I said, government does not operate in a manner where if a grievance is raised, by the click of a finger, they are addressed.
“It weighs all its workers’ issues and find means to ensure that their working conditions are improved.
“So, those who want their working conditions improved, I hope they come to us for a dialogue and we take their matters to the Health Service Commission,” he said.
