Striking Meru health workers stay put despite Governor Munya’s warning
What you need to know:
- Governor Munya and county Health executive William Muraah have, however, denied receiving any notice from the workers.
- Bakari said there is no return-to-work formula hence health workers will remain on strike.
- The health workers want the county government to address salary delays, lack of promotions, lack of hardship and transfer allowances.
- But the county boss has maintained that he will address genuine issues once the workers are back to their stations.
Health workers in Meru kept away from work for the third day Thursday despite Governor Peter Munya’s warning that they will be replaced for absconding duty.
The health workers went on strike on Tuesday after the county government failed to address their grievances and the expiry of a 14-day notice.
Governor Munya and county Health executive William Muraah have, however, denied receiving any notice from the workers.
The county government has also dismissed the health workers’ grievances saying all issues have been addressed.
A spot check at the Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital established that the facility was deserted with only administrative offices operating.
In the morning, workers were cleaning of the consultation rooms as patients sought services elsewhere.
Speaking to the Nation, Kenya Clinical Officers Association Meru branch chairman Wilson Namu said they cannot bend to the county government’s pressure through phone calls.
“The strike does not involve nurses only. All health workers are participating. We are not going back until the county government accepts consultations. We will be holding demonstrations tomorrow (Friday),” Mr Namu said.
NO RETURN-TO-WORK FORMULA
Kenya National Union of Nurses Meru Chairman Mugambi Bakari said there is no return-to-work formula hence health workers will remain on strike.
“We are still waiting for dialogue with the county government. The governor has lied by saying that he did not receive our notice.
“The strike notice was received by the Health chief officer, county secretary and the public service board. He should discipline the three officers for withholding vital information from him,” Mr Bakari said.
In a press conference, Mr Munya said the county had taken contingency measures to ensure health care services run smoothly.
“The county government has taken contingency measures to ensure patients do not suffer.
“We have a good working relationship with neighbouring mission hospitals. Some of the patients have been transferred there. But I can assure you the strike is short-lived,” Mr Munya said.
The health workers want the county government to address salary delays, lack of promotions, lack of hardship and transfer allowances, poor working conditions, lack of annual increments and punitive transfers.
But the county boss has maintained that he will address genuine issues once the workers are back to their stations.
Mr Munya also directed the county public service board to start recruiting nurses who have been interviewed in readiness for replacing the striking workers.
