By Kuda Pembere
Government nurses across Zimbabwe have begun a nationwide three-day stay-away, downing tools in protest over low salaries and stalled negotiations.
The industrial action was triggered by a salary adjustment of about 1,000 ZiG—roughly US$30 to US$40—an increase nurses say is inadequate.
By the time of publication, nurses at several major public health institutions had withdrawn their services. These include Sally Mugabe Central Hospital, Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, Chitungwiza Central Hospital, United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH), Mahusekwa District Hospital, and Kadoma District Hospital.
At United Bulawayo Hospitals, police were deployed to contain the situation.
Sources said nurses at Mpilo Central Hospital, Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital, Masvingo Provincial Hospital, and Plumtree District Hospital had been intimidated by their superiors and ordered not to participate in the strike.
Speaking to this publication, Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) Sally Mugabe Central Hospital chapter chairperson Mathew Musiyarira said efforts to engage the employer, the Health Service Commission (HSC), had failed.
“The nurses have come in their numbers but they are refusing to go to work. There is a deadlock with the employer. Since time immemorial, we have been engaging the employer on salary and remuneration issues, but these have not been addressed. For that reason, the nurses have gathered here,” he said.
Musiyarira stressed that the industrial action was not politically motivated.
“We have tried as an association to stop this, but we have failed. This is not political. Nurses are simply demanding fair remuneration from the employer, but it seems the employer is refusing.”
He added that the strike was a last resort after repeated failed engagements.
“From the latest notification, we thought the employer was trying to do something. Unfortunately, up to today, nothing has been done. This is a measure of last resort.
“A strike is undesirable—it is something we do not want to resort to. But nurses are insisting that the employer must engage them and address their concerns.
“Even as an association, it is in our best interest to prioritise both nurses and patients. However, nurses are saying they are incapacitated, hungry, and earning far below the poverty datum line. For that reason, we are here, and we believe the employer must act urgently,” he said.
The stay-away strike is expected to end on April 22, with nurses awaiting a response from the employer.
ZINA Sally Mugabe Central Hospital chapter Secretary General Farai Matsiure said the action was nationwide.
“This strike is not only happening at Sally Mugabe Hospital but across the country. It is taking place in Bindura, Chitungwiza, Parirenyatwa, and Victoria Chitepo Hospital. We are all in this together, speaking with one voice.
“Since this is a legal strike, we have 72 hours of staying away from work. The 72 hours started today,” he said.
One nurse described the salaries as “peanuts,” saying they are struggling to make ends meet.
“We are protesting over poor remuneration. It is not enough to cater for our needs. Most of us are exposed to hospital-acquired infections from patients, which puts our immune systems at risk.
“The money is not enough, especially with transport costs rising. We are spending over US$3 to come to work and another US$3 to return home.
“We also have to pay school fees, rent, and buy food. It is difficult. You even hear your child telling you to quit your job and stay at home.
“Payday has become a headache. We are like the walking dead. It is not easy, and it has been a long struggle. We care about our patients because one day we may need the same services.
“Nurses should be prioritised too. As long as we help others, we should also be helped. Coming to work is now painful,” the nurse said.
