By Sukuoluhle Ndlovu
Nurses on Wednesday vowed to continue with their job action until their demands are met.
The health care workers have not been reporting for work for the 49 days.
The industrial action comes at a time when the deteriorating health sector is struggling to manage the Covid-19 global pandemic and provide personal protective equipment (PPEs) for frontline workers.
A number of health care workers have tested positive for Covid-19.
In a statement the Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) said their concerns include safer working conditions and improved salaries.
“Our reasonable demands are in the public domain. We look forward to being engaged on these on the basis of mutual respect, where our constitutional and labour rights to a fair wage and not to work in unsafe conditions are respected.
“Further we look forward to having our demands acknowledged and met. As we have indicated before, we are unable to return back to work until this has been done.”
ZINA said it welcomes the appointment of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga as Minister of Health and Jasper Chimedza as the ministry’s permanent secretary and hope they will address their concerns.
“It is our hope that the two appointees have been briefed on the situation prevailing in the health sector and what has led to the impase between health workers and their employer.”
