Zimbabwe nurses end mass strike, return to work after sackings

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Thousands of nurses in Zimbabwe returned to work on Monday after ending a mass strike over wages that saw the government order them to be sacked.

Some 15,000 nurses fighting for better work conditions walked out of public hospitals last Monday, paralyzing parts of the health service and resulting in patients being turned away.

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga quickly retaliated, ordering the striking nurses to be fired and accusing them of being "politically motivated."

On Saturday, the Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) called on its members to end the strike and report for duty by Monday.

Two women and a child arrive at Mpilo Central Hospital on April 20, 2018 in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, as thousands of nurses go on strike. /VCG Photo

"To pave way for the re-opening of negotiations and protection of our workers, we have decided to call off the industrial action," ZINA said in a statement.

On Monday, ZINA spokesman Enoch Dongo told AFP news agency: "Nurses have gone back to work today although their grievances still stand."

"Some were asked to first fill in dismissal forms and then sign forms for resumption of duty. We haven't heard of any who have been turned back."

The nurses have also filed a court application to have their dismissals nullified.

The hardline response from the government has been seen as an attempt by President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government to keep a lid on labor unrest in the build-up to elections in July – the first since the fall of Robert Mugabe.

Succeeding Mugabe, who was ousted last year after 37 years in power, Mnangagwa has vowed to revive the moribund economy and attract foreign investment to fund better public services.

The nurses’ strike, however, came shortly after a similar protest by junior doctors demanding a raise in allowances, while teachers are also threatening to strike.

The nurses are demanding better wages and complain about a lack of basics in government hospitals, including drugs and equipment.

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Source(s): AFP ,Reuters