THE Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA), has indicated that the nurses’ strike would continue until their demands are met despite continued threats and begging theatrics from political players.
By Michael Gwarisa
President Emerson Mnangawa recently pleaded with health workers to reconsider their actions and prioritise saving lives. However, the nurses have maintained that such a move would not work and they will never compromise.
In a statement, the ZINA said their fight was labour motivated and no amount of political intimation would sway them.
Today marks 46 days wince we withdrew our labour. There has still not been any offer from government and so the impasse continues. We reiterate our position that we will not return to work without proper remuneration as we are incapacitated from doing so,” said ZINA.
They added that without adequate and proper Protective Personal Equipment (PPE), they would not set foot inside health facilities which have become danger zones for health workers.
“We further reiterate that without adequate PPE, we will also not return back because our hospitals have become COVID-19 hotspots and the unprotected health workers have been the most vulnerable as the numbers of those infected are increasing. We are not prepared to gamble with our lives and this aspect is non negotiable.
“Regarding these two issues, no amount of intimidation or pleading will make us change our stance. Ours are labour not political grievances and so we cannot forgo them because of political reasoning.”
