Meru County govt ready to negotiate with striking health workers, Munya says

Meru Governor Peter Munya has said his government is ready to negotiate with striking health workers but urged them not to politicise the unrest.

Speaking at Meru National Polytechnic during Mashujaa Day celebrations, Mr Munya said the county had addressed all the grievances raised by the workers.

“We have more than 50 uncollected promotion letters in the county offices. We asked those in senior positions to apply for promotions but they declined.

"We have been paying their monthly salaries on time. What else do they want?” questioned Mr Munya.

Mr Munya said the county has set aside funds to cater for promotions but the workers insisted they wanted direct promotions without applying.

This, the governor said, could not work as the Salaries and Remuneration Commission conditions must be followed.

He said even Early Childhood Development Education teachers applied for promotion, went for interviews in Nairobi and their job groups were upgraded.

He added that the county government has catered for medical cover for all workers including health staff.

He urged interested health professionals to apply for jobs to fill the gap left by those on strike.

“We are contracting health workers. Applications should start from tomorrow to ensure that the facilities are operational as we negotiate for an amicable solution,” he said.

He asked residents to remain calm as the county government works to resolve the issue.

“As workers let us balance the rights of the citizens and ours too,” said Mr Munya.

Health workers in Meru County have been on strike in the past three weeks, paralysing services at public hospitals.