LIVINGSTONE MARUFU
Zimbabwe’s nurses will next week down tools to protest poor salaries and high cost of living, Business Times can report.
On average nurses get less than ZWL$25 000 in addition to a US$175 allowance, an amount which they believe cannot sustain them given the high inflation rate and exchange rate.
Nurses associations want the government to give them US$ salaries to cushion them from the economic headwinds that have heavily eaten into workers’ disposable incomes.
Zimbabwe Professional Nurses Union (ZPNU) informed the Health Service Board that the low salaries are no longer sustainable in an inflationary environment.
“With reference to the notice of incapacitation, we wish to notify you that our members will not be able to turn up for duty starting on Monday, June 20 2022, until our conditions are met.
“These include US$ salaries due to the loss of value of the Zimbabwean dollar and the exorbitant prices in the market, reopening of negotiation forum as the Health Service Board has not met employees citing consultative process, regarding process of putting primary care nurses in the right grades,” ZPNU said.
The Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) acting secretary general Chiedza Mukwekwezeke said the salaries are detached from the obtaining situation on the ground.
“We have noted with great concern the salaries paid by the employer. These salaries fall short of every member’s expectations considering the hikes in all users’ fees and basic commodities.
“We therefore request all members to clearly communicate their positions to their chairpersons through the association structures by the end of day [June 15 2022],” Mukwekwezeke said.
Nurses have received their June salaries and they feel they cannot continue going to work for pittance.
Meanwhile, civil servants’ representative body, Apex Council secretary David Dzatsunga said the umbrella body is meeting their members around the country to map the way forward.
“We haven’t a decision yet but it’s not a secret that we are incapacitated. However, the government has called for a National Joint Negotiation Committee meeting on Thursday June 16 at 4pm.
“Our way forward will be determined by this meeting,” Dzatsunga said.
