Nurses Issue Strike Warning Over Pay Dispute

The health sector is facing renewed disruption after nurses issued a four-day ultimatum to government, demanding urgent resolution of a long-standing pay and welfare dispute or risk a nationwide strike beginning April 20.

In a letter dated April 14 addressed to Health Service CommissionHealth Service Commission secretary Christopher Pasi, the Zimbabwe Nurses Association said nurses employed across all 10 provinces would withdraw their services from April 20 to April 22 if their concerns are not addressed.

The association, led by Enock Dongo, said members have reached a breaking point after months of demonstrations, petitions, and unsuccessful engagement with authorities.

At the centre of the dispute is remuneration. Nurses argue that recent salary adjustments have been minimal and have failed to keep pace with rising living costs. They say their earnings are no longer sufficient to cover basic needs such as transport to work.

With fuel prices continuing to increase, many nurses say even reporting for duty has become financially difficult.

The association said it has already exceeded the required 48-hour notice period, effectively giving government until April 19 to respond to their demands.

If no agreement is reached, the planned strike is expected to affect hospitals, clinics, and health centres nationwide, placing further pressure on an already strained health system.

However, critical care staff are expected to remain on duty, with the association indicating that nurses in intensive care and emergency units should not abandon patients.

The notice represents a significant escalation in the dispute, leaving government with only a few days to prevent a potential nationwide healthcare shutdown.