Health unions issue 14-day strike notice over unpaid salaries, lack of medical cover
Seven
health unions have threatened to strike within the next two weeks if county
governments fail to address their grievances, which include delayed payment of
salaries, lack of medical covers and failure to remit statutory deductions.
The
unions, in a joint statement read by Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists
and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Dr. Davji Atellah, outlined the
challenges facing health workers nationwide.
The
other six were; Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO), Kenya National
Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM), Kenya National Union of Medical
Laboratory Officers (KNUMLO), Kenya Environmental Health and Public Health
Practitioners Union (KEHPHPU), Kenya National Union of Pharmaceutical Technologists
and Officers (KNUPT), and Kenya Union of
Nutritionists and Dietitians (KUNAD).
They
highlighted that medical personnel in Meru, Machakos, West Pokot, Kakamega, Nairobi,
Embu, Samburu, Taita Taveta, Homa Bay, Kisii, Kisumu, Nyamira, Mombasa,
Kajiado, Migori, Trans Nzoia, Vihiga, and Bungoma counties have endured delays
or non-payment of salaries for up to three months, impacting their ability to
provide essential services.
The
unions also criticized the failure of several counties to provide comprehensive
medical coverage to healthcare personnel and failing to remit third-party
deductions such as bank loans, SACCO contributions, pensions, union dues and
NHIF payments.
They
subsequently issued a firm ultimatum to the counties, demanding that they
address the aforementioned grievances within the next 14 days lest they go on
strike.
"All
counties must procure proper medical cover for healthcare workers. This must be
done within the next 14 days to ensure healthcare workers have access to the
care they need. Counties in arrears must settle all outstanding salaries within
the next 14 days. Failure to meet this demand will compel us to take industrial
action to safeguard our members' welfare," read the statement.
"All
counties must immediately remit third-party deductions, including loans. SACCO
contributions, union dues, and NHIF deductions. These funds are vital for our
members' financial stability and access to critical services. Failure to meet
these demands within the stipulated timeframe will result in further action,
including industrial strikes."
Further,
the unions likewise called on the national government, county governments, and
relevant authorities to take immediate and decisive action to address these
issues.
"We
call on the national government, county governments, and relevant authorities
to act promptly to resolve these issues. The future of Kenya's healthcare
system and the wellbeing of our healthcare workers depend on immediate and
decisive action," they said.
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