Controversial bill to stop industrial action criticised as an already struggling sector fears losing more staff in a damaging brain drain
Zimbabwe’s health workers have criticised the government for passing contested legislation that outlaws any industrial action, saying it will worsen the sector’s already damaging brain drain., forbids health workers who are classified as an “essential” service from striking for more than three days. Those who do not comply face a fine or imprisonment of up to six months.
“After the rejection of the bill by various stakeholders, they still went ahead to pass it. It is very unfortunate. The right to protest has been taken away,” said Enock Dongo, president of the Zimbabwe Nurses Association . In June last year, health workers staged a week-long strike over poor pay and deteriorating working conditions, a move that brought theSince then, the bill to stop any industrial action has been fast-tracked in parliament.
“They tried to be clever, saying we are allowed to strike for three days, but we all know that even when we down tools for more days they do not want to negotiate,” said Dongo, adding that the new law will lead to more people leaving the country to seek work abroad.to the UK and other countries since 2021, according to the Health Services Board, amid poor pay and worsening economic conditions.
“When you threaten health workers with jail, how do you expect them to discharge their duties? This will affect every citizen, nurses will just adopt a ‘go-slow’ [approach to work],” he said.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Controversial and complex, those who worked with Pell say his death leaves a voidThose who saw him close up recall a complex man who was sharp-witted and surprisingly compassionate, but who was admired and hated by many.
Read more »
Aussie star Adam Scott admits tensions bubbling among golfers over controversial new ranking systemFourteen-time PGATOUR champion Aussie AdamScott has admitted there is frustration among players over the new ranking system, amid a flurry of public controversy around the new methodology. 7NEWS
Read more »
Health authorities warning Strep A cases are rising along east coastInfectious disease experts are warning Australians to be on the lookout for symptoms of a deadly bacterial disease that is rising along the east coast. In Queensland, cases of Group A Streptococcus, also known as Strep A, have jumped 20 per cent, and nine people have died.
Read more »
By February next year, this town will have 36 new homes for health staffAn $8-million housing project to accommodate health professionals is aiming to address the crippling doctor shortage — freeing up rental homes in the process.
Read more »
NSW Health issues warning as Murray Valley encephalitis returns due to recent floodingPeople are advised to prevent any mosquito bites as the rare but potentially fatal Murray Valley encephalitis is detected in the town of Menindee, where a flood emergency is underway.
Read more »
This BMX program aims to improve young people's mental health with more 'practical' approachWeekly sessions run by an Adelaide charity work to engage young people who have had a rough start to life by offering BMX coaching and life skills mentoring.
Read more »