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Blessings Chidakwa Municipal Correspondent
Chitungwiza Municipality is taking disciplinary action against the sister in charge of St Mary’s clinic, and has already suspended her, after her subordinates went on strike over the failure by council to provide them with personal protective equipment and lockdown allowances.
While nurses from all the four council-run clinics struck over the same concerns, workers say the the sister in charge identified as Sr Tsvangirai was the only one suspended.
Sister Tsvangirai was reportedly suspended with without salary and benefits. Council’s matron, only identified as G. Zhakata, has written to her seeking a report over alleged work disturbances at St Mary’s clinic on May 4.
“It has come to my attention that patients were not assisted at St Mary’s clinic on May 4, 2020. Can l have a comprehensive report on why patients did not get treatment at St Mary’s clinic yesterday. Please note that it is your duty to alert the matron’s office of any issues where patients are not given the necessary assistance,” read part of the letter.
The letter also requested names of staff who were on duty and reasons why patients were not attended to on May 4.
Acting town clerk, Dr Tonderai Kasu confirmed the suspension but refused to divulge the reasons.
“I can confirm that a disciplinary process has been instituted against her. I cannot comment any further on that topic as that would prejudice the disciplinary process,” he said. “It should be appreciated that we cannot make comments in a public forum when it comes to an internal disciplinary process, because we intend to ensure that the process is conducted properly and professionally.”
On the nurses’ concerns, Dr Kasu said they held a works council meeting on Wednesday where they updated the workers’ representatives on what is being done during the lockdown. The issues discussed focused on salary payments, Covid-19 risk allowances, protective personal equipment and transport to and from work.
Chitungwiza Municipality Workers’ Union chairperson and head of legal department Reverend Ephraim Katsina has written to the council accusing it of persecuting Sr Tsvangirai.
“By requesting a report from an individual rather than the union you are victimising Sister Tsvangirai. He said the collective job action was the position of the union and was legal.
“Therefore our position as the union is clear, workers are demanding PPE, testing of coronavirus, transport to and from work, full salaries and Covid-19 allowances among other things.”
Reverend Katsine said the nurses’ demands were justified since the current position was posing an immediate threat to their health or safety.
Online Reporter