Doctors threaten to go on another industrial action

Loveness Bepete Chronicle Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association has threatened to go on strike for the second time this year after receiving reports that the government intends to cut salaries for doctors who participated in the recent industrial action. ZHDA Media and Publicity Officer Francis Rwodzi said some doctors had already received statements and notices that their December salaries would be reviewed downwards from $283 to at least $100.

The deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Paul Chimedza, yesterday told Chronicle his ministry was not aware of the memos that were allegedly sent to doctors informing them of the development.

Rwodzi said all doctors who participated in the industrial action from 27 October to 13 November 2014 had since been summoned, constantly harassed and threatened by their station supervisors over their participation in the industrial action.

“The ZHDA strongly advises the Ministry of Health and Child Care that should this decision to cut salaries be implemented, our members will not hesitate to immediately withdraw their services,” he said.

ZHDA, Rwodzi said, viewed the action as an act of utter insincerity, arrogance, implementation of wrong administrative policies and complete disregard of the negotiations between their association and the employer.

The association has demanded that relevant and senior government officials urgently act by summoning such officials in the Ministry of Health and Child Care who have been associated with this move.

“ZHDA categorically states that should this erroneous decision be implemented in December, we will not take responsibility for the harmful consequences attached to such a blunderous decision,” read a statement released by the organisation.

Rwodzi said the government should make sure that the administrative framework of their new allowances was in place as per agreement.

“We will not tolerate any mishap or administrative boobs on our first pay cheque for 2015. Let us all make wise decisions so as to avoid compromising service delivery during the forthcoming festive season and transition into the highly anticipated 2015,” he said.

Rwodzi said the association would today seek an urgent meeting with the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care to seek a final position on the issue.

He said ZHDA members would also meet to discuss the situation.

“We shall meet all our members tomorrow (today) through their representatives to map a way forward and adopt strong resolutions and responses should this act of barbarism see the light of the day.”

During their last strike doctors demanded that the government increase their basic salaries from $283 to $1,200 excluding allowances.

The government eventually gave in to the doctors’ demands and promised to increase their salaries by an undisclosed amount next year.