The doctors and dentists union KMPDU has issued a statement after the chair of the council of governors threatened to blacklist fired health workers.
It has bee reported that a proposal by the Council of Governors(CoG) is seeking to blacklist health workers dismissed for participating in strikes in all the 47 counties.
Yesterday, KMPC officials met with KMPDU officials and discussed the current health crisis.
KMPDC Chair @DDrnjenga and CEO today held discussions with @MombasaCountyKe @KenyaMedics_KMA & @kmpdu execs in an effort to find lasting solns to the ongoing strike in Mombasa County. We are happy with the progress reported and are looking forward to a lasting resolution by COB. pic.twitter.com/M18Qcnlfpq
— Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (@KmpdcOfficial) January 13, 2021
KMPDU Chair Dr Chibanzi Mwachonda had rebuked CoG’s proposal saying the need to come on the negotiation table as soon as possible.
“Union busting & harassment of health care workers is akin to SLAVERY. Counci of Kenya Governors needs to get off the high horse & engage health sector unions, delivery of health services as enshrined in the constitution is dependent on health care workers,” Dr Mwachonda posted on Twitter
Taita Taveta, Kilifi, Lamu, Mombasa, Kisumu are among counties that have sacked doctors arguing that their strike is not protected in law.
“We are monitoring and shall circulate the names of the employees who have been terminated on account of indiscipline in order for the workers not to be considered for subsequent employment by other Counties,” said Council of Governors (CoG) chairman Wycliffe Oparanya.
The health workers are agitating for increased risk allowance, enhanced comprehensive group life insurance and promotions, demands governors maintain counties cannot afford.
Last week, the CoG said it was not consulted in the deal between the clinical officers union and the State that ended a 26-day strike in December which paralysed the health services amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
The governors said issues raised in the deal have already been addressed by individual counties and that Treasury has not allocated funds for their implementation in the current budget.
“No worker should expect to walk out of their jobs and then walk back when they so wish. The county governments are not a revolving door,” Mr Oparanya said.
Here is the statement and response to the threats issued by the Kakamega governor, CoG Wycliffe Oparanya
KMPDU STATEMENT ON THE ONGOING HEALTH CARE WORKERS STRIKE!! pic.twitter.com/VI86XgZfOc
— KMPDU (@kmpdu) January 13, 2021
