Zimpapers Logo

Herald Reporter
The Zimbabwe Nurses Association has ordered its members to return to work with immediate effect after it finally reached a consensus with the employer, the Health Services Board, last night.ZINA president Mrs Regina Smith said HSB had agreed to review upwards the night duty allowance from $3 per month to $70 with effect from May 1.

Mrs Smith said HSB had also agreed that all nurses be placed in their appropriate grades.

“We therefore appeal to all nurses to return to work as we continue with negotiations with the employer on other allowances,” said Mrs Smith.

In a statement released on Tuesday night, HSB chairman Dr Lovemore Mbengeranwa said Government had committed itself to re-allocate the $1,5 million for health sector allowances, which would see the nurses getting an upward review of their allowances.

Dr Mbengeranwa also said Government had committed itself to re-grade sisters-in-charge with effect from May 1. “In communicating these positions to ZINA, the HSB implored the ZINA executive to encourage their members to resume work as their major concerns had been resolved,” said Dr Mbengeranwa.

He said in line with the laws of Zimbabwe, health service was an essential service that should not be subjected to withdrawal of labour.

“The HSB therefore expects that with the agreements coming out of the discussions referred to above and the provisions of the relevant statutory instruments, all striking nurses should immediately resume normal duty,” he said.

The nurses started boycotting night duty on Monday last week, with nurses from Harare, Chitungwiza and Chinhoyi hospitals actively taking part in the night duty boycott.