•Also copied in the letter are the labour CS, all county governors and all branch secretaries for the respective unions
•Key issue of contention is the conclusion of Collective Bargaining Agreements for nurses and the clinicians
Image: MAGDALINE SAYA
Health unions have written to various stakeholders notifying them of their decision to go on strike should their grievances remain unresolved in 60 days.
In a letter seen by the Star stamped as having been received by the Council of Governors, the unions have jointly written to the Council of Governors chair Anne Waiguru, CEO Mary Mwiti and CoG health committee chair Muthomi Njuki, Health CS Susan Wafula and CoG Labour committee chair Johnson Sakaja.
They include the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN), the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO), and the Kenya National Union of Medical Laboratory Officers (KNUMLO).
Others include the Kenya Health Professional Society (KHPS), Kenya Union of Nutritionists and Dietitians (KUNAD) and Kenya National Union of Pharmaceutical Technologists and Officers (KNUPT).
“This notice is issued to yourselves pursuant to the requirements of the Constitution of Kenya, the relevant legislations and the resolutions as made in a joint press statement issued on May 14,” it reads in part.
Also copied in the letter are the labour CS, all county governors and all branch secretaries for the respective unions.
The key issue of contention is the conclusion of Collective Bargaining Agreements for nurses and the clinicians and formulation and signing of recognition agreements for KMUMLO, KUNAD and KNUPT.
“The ministry and county governments should immediately resume negotiations and register CBAs within the next 60 days failure to conclude and register these CBAs by July 13, 2023, the unions shall proceed on strike without further notice,” they said.
The unions on Sunday said while the CBAs for KUCO and KNUN have remained unconcluded, the other unions have not been able to start the process as they have been denied recognition agreements.
They noted that the absence of a finalized CBA is causing significant distress among healthcare workers.
KUCO SG George Gibore said a CBA aims to establish fair and equitable terms and conditions of employment, ensuring that healthcare professionals are adequately compensated for their essential services.
"Failure to reach a mutually beneficial agreement has instead resulted in a state of uncertainty, dissatisfaction, and demoralization among health workers who tirelessly serve the public's health needs," Gibore said.
They noted that health workers have not been able to receive a pay rise for the past seven years despite the rising cost of living occasioned by inflation and the ever-rising tax burden.