- The SG however noted that the union has been fully involved in addressing the matters of interns purely on goodwill
- This, he said, is because nurse interns are not members and hence have no right to demand action from the union, adding that the union only represents its members
Image: FILE
Kenya National Union of Nurses has told off interns who have questioned why the union had not joined the doctors' strike.
KNUN secretary general Seth Panyako has raised concern that some nurses' interns had taken to social media to 'insult' union officials for failing to allow the union to take part in the strike.
Panyako in a letter to all KNUN branch officials dated March 27 said most of the issues affecting its members had been addressed through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, with those pending being challenged through the court.
Panyako said alternative dispute resolution mechanisms have many times borne fruits.
He said it was on this basis that the union decided to deliberate on key issues affecting nurses to find solutions.
"Following the ongoing doctors strike that we have all witnessed, it has come to our attention as the KNUN that some nurses interns under incitement have been seen insulting us on social media for not joining the doctors on strike," Panyako claimed.
The SG noted that the issue of posting interns had been discussed by the Ministry of Health and the exercise is expected to commence effective April 1.
"We have also looked at the issue of reductions of interns payment from job group K to stipend pay as per the Salaries and Remuneration Commission circular and we are challenging it in court," Panyako said.
"But owing to the disrespect by some misguided interns, this might be withdrawn."
The SG however noted that the union has been fully involved in addressing the matters of interns purely on goodwill.
This, he said, is because nurse interns are not members and hence have no right to demand action from the union, adding that the union only represents its members.
On the issue of Universal Health Coverage nurses, Panyako said the members affected had sent their particulars to the union office.
In this regard, the union was preparing a suit to compel their absorption and payment of their arrears occasioned by underpayment.
"The union is very much pleased with the maturity being demonstrated by this group of our prospective members," he said.
Panyako has however given the branch officials until April 1 to give their views and advice on the issues.
This is ahead of the expected National Executive Council meeting slated for April 2.
During the meeting, the council is expected to look at their views and issue direction on the way forward.