(DAILY MAIL) Nurses ready to work
Nurses ready to workBy ANGELA CHISHIMBA
STRIKING nurses in Lusaka have agreed to go back to work on condition that Government and their union leaders sign a commitment agreement that will indicate the time-frame in which their demands for improved allowances will be addressed.
And Minister of Labour and Social Security Austin Liato has said Government will get back to the nurses and their unions over their demands for a commitment agreement.
Zambia Union of Nurses Organisation (ZUNO) representative Harmond Kapapa, who was speaking at a meeting held at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH), said as soon as the commitment agreement is signed, nurses will go back to work.
“We are ready to even return to work today if the agreement is signed,” he said.
He said nurses have taken this stance because of broken promises by Government in the past.
“We are tired of promises, so our condition for going back is after that commitment agreement is signed. We have been given empty promises in the past. Our union leaders are preparing this commitment document and this will be presented to Government,” he said.
Mr Kapapa said contrary to reports that the nurses have rejected the 15 per cent salary increment, what is in contention are the allowances.
He said despite nurses working between 36 to 40 hours per week, they are only given K30,000 as over-time per month whilst night duty allowance is K35,000.
Mr Kapapa wondered why nurses have been denied risk allowance when they operate in a high-risk environment.
And Mr Liato said he had heard the nurses’ demands and promised to get back to them after consultations. He said he would inform President Banda of the nurses’ concerns. He, however, urged the nurses to go back to work and allow Government and the unions to continue negotiating for the allowances.
“You must understand that Government and the unions cannot negotiate while you are on strike so the best thing to do is go back to work and give us chance to negotiate. We cannot negotiate in this atmosphere.
“You are employees of Government and the rules are that Government can’t negotiate if you are not working. We cannot give you answers on the floor, the law doesn’t allow that,” he said.
Mr Liato urged the nurses to understand that he did not arrange to meet them so that he could force them to do anything but that he called for the meeting so that they reason together.
“It is important for us to harmonise our interests. Answers will come because this matter will be given the urgency it deserves. The best thing is for us to get back to work now.
“I am going away with a feeling that tomorrow, you will return to work. As Government, we respect all of you and know how much of service you are to this nation. I am confident that some of you will return to work,” he said.
Mr Liato said the problems the nurses are facing have not been caused by President Banda in the nine months he has been in charge.
Earlier, Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) president Leonard Hikaumba appealed to Government to resolve the problems nurses are facing and warned against intimidation of union members. Mr Hikaumba appealed to workers to remain united so that they achieve their demands.
He also demanded that Ministry of Health should provide transport for workers.
Mr Hikaumba also took a swipe at some opposition political party leaders who he said did little to improve health workers’ welfare.
“We are saying no to those who want to gain cheap political mileage over our problems, we know what is best for us and as workers, we shall fight on our own,” he said.
He also condemned some Parliamentarians who are criticising Government for the strike when they are the ones who approved a budget they knew could only give workers not more than 14 per cent.
Mr Hikaumba disclosed that when the union met with Government officials who included Minister of Health Kapembwa Simbao, Government pledged that K25 billion would be released to settle some of the outstanding arrears.
And ZCTU general secretary Roy Mwaba said the nurses’ case is a unique one which needs unique attention.
He proposed that Government is given four weeks in which to resolve the issues, a suggestion which nurses rejected.
Labels: AUSTIN LIATO, LEONARD HIKAUMBA, NURSES, ROY MWABA, STRIKE
posted by MrK @ 10:41 PM
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