Kenya's nursing union pushed back its planned strike date after the government brought in a mediator. The Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives gave officials 30 more days to solve their disputes. Union leaders said they will start striking on August 3 if problems remain unfixed. The move follows labor law rules that allow strike delays when mediators step in. Secretary General Seth Panyako made the announcement during a union meeting Friday.
The nurses want several major changes from their employers. They demand permanent jobs for workers hired under the health coverage program who currently have temporary contracts. The union also wants the government to use a new pay scale that officials recommended last year. County governments have failed to finish labor agreements with nursing staff. Union leaders said they will only negotiate with national officials and reject separate county talks.
Nurses first planned to strike on July 7 after giving a 26-day warning notice. The union extended that deadline because a conciliator joined the talks. Chairperson Joseph Ngwasi said nurses follow the law and prefer peaceful solutions. The union sent formal letters to health officials and county leaders about the extension. Workers say they will strike until all their concerns get proper attention from government leaders.
The nurses want several major changes from their employers. They demand permanent jobs for workers hired under the health coverage program who currently have temporary contracts. The union also wants the government to use a new pay scale that officials recommended last year. County governments have failed to finish labor agreements with nursing staff. Union leaders said they will only negotiate with national officials and reject separate county talks.
Nurses first planned to strike on July 7 after giving a 26-day warning notice. The union extended that deadline because a conciliator joined the talks. Chairperson Joseph Ngwasi said nurses follow the law and prefer peaceful solutions. The union sent formal letters to health officials and county leaders about the extension. Workers say they will strike until all their concerns get proper attention from government leaders.
