Govt is looking into nurses' plight - Sata
By Allan Mulenga
Tue 03 Dec. 2013, 14:01 CAT

PRESIDENT Michael Sata says he is happy that the nurses have called off their strike, adding that the government is looking into their plight.

President Sata yesterday wondered why MMD president Nevers Mumba was talking about the nurses' strike when he had failed to preside over his party.

"Go and ask him why he is commenting on nurses' strike when these people have gone back to work. He has failed to take care of his hair, how can he keep his people?" he said.

President Sata said it was good that the nurses had heeded his call to go back to work, so that negotiations with the government could commence.

"I asked them to go back to work and they have done that. The government is looking into their plight," said President Sata.
On Sunday, Mumba advised President Sata against using "a strong hand" in dealing with the nurses who were striking.

Mumba disclosed that he had written President Sata on the issue surrounding nurses' strike action.

"I have done a letter in which I have asked the President to be able to consider dialogue to the level where our public sector workers could feel confident that government is committed to resolving their issues. That statement in Mansa was unfortunate," he said.

"We will not take it kindly if the government attempts to fire these public workers that are aggrieved in the same manner that the government did not take kindly to KCM trying to offload those thousands of workers. It will be unfortunate for government to take that route, because there is room for negotiation. They are negotiating for the things promised to them. I think government should listen," said Mumba.

President Sata on Saturday warned nurses to resume work before the government could strike.