Zimbabwe's government approved legislation that prohibits healthcare workers from participating in strike actions. The Public Service Amendment Bill designates medical facilities as essential services under new regulatory frameworks. Cabinet ministers endorsed the measure after years of hospital disruptions caused patient fatalities. Healthcare professionals must pursue alternative dispute resolution methods rather than work stoppages. The legislation aims to prevent future service interruptions that compromise public safety.
The bill defines essential services as departments whose disruption would endanger human life or personal safety. This classification encompasses all public health institutions across the nation. Government officials cited past strikes that paralyzed major referral hospitals and suspended critical operations. The measure responds to healthcare worker protests over wages, working conditions, and inadequate medical equipment. Parliament will debate the proposed legislation during upcoming sessions.
Additional provisions grant female public servants 98 days of fully paid maternity leave. Civil servants accepting political positions must resign within 30 days of assuming office. Public Service Commissioners face new asset declaration requirements under the amended regulations.
The bill defines essential services as departments whose disruption would endanger human life or personal safety. This classification encompasses all public health institutions across the nation. Government officials cited past strikes that paralyzed major referral hospitals and suspended critical operations. The measure responds to healthcare worker protests over wages, working conditions, and inadequate medical equipment. Parliament will debate the proposed legislation during upcoming sessions.
Additional provisions grant female public servants 98 days of fully paid maternity leave. Civil servants accepting political positions must resign within 30 days of assuming office. Public Service Commissioners face new asset declaration requirements under the amended regulations.
