Kisumu health workers call off strike after their June salaries are paid

Health workers demonstrate at Kisumu county headquarters on July 18,2016. They have since called off their strike after the county government remitted their June salaries. (PHOTO: DENISH OCHIENG/ STANDARD)

Health workers who had downed tools over delayed pay have called off their strike after the county government remitted their June salaries.

The workers, majority from Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, resumed work yesterday after they were informed that their salaries had been sent to their respective banks.

"We were ready to continue with the strike but they told us the money is in our banks," said a nurse who was among those who stormed county headquarters on Monday to demand their salaries.

Worst hit

The Western region's main referral facility, which serves 13 counties in Nyanza, Western and parts of Rift Valley, was the worst hit by the strike.

Yesterday, the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) confirmed that money had been remitted to members' accounts.

"Our members have confirmed to us that they got their money and we have decided to get back to work. This is a clear indication that the county only understands the language of strike," said KNUN Chairman Collins Ajwang.

In a joint memorandum presented by Knun, Clinical Officers' Union and the Union of Kenya Civil Servants (UKCS), the health workers are also demanding the implementation of promotions, which some members were awarded over five months ago.

Even though promotion letters had been dispatched, they noted that they were yet to enjoy the privileges that come with the new job groups five months on.

They also accused the county government of not remitting deductions to financial institutions, insurance companies and professional bodies, saying the issue has led to the employees being forced to pay huge penalties and accrued interests. Some of them have been listed by the Credit Reference Bureau and cannot access loans anymore.

UKCS Secretary General Edward Kojiema, however, said the unions will engage the county government on the issue starting next week, as the most urgent matter was the June salaries.

"Our memorandum had so many issues but not all of them could be handled at the same time. Now that the salary bit is done, we have scheduled to meet the county officials from next week so as to iron out the other pending issues," said Mr Kojiema.

Health Executive Elizabeth Ogaja confirmed that the negotiations with the health workers had been fruitful and work had resumed.

"On the issue of promotion, we are waiting for the budget to come out so that we see how to handle the matter," said Ogaja.