Health ministry backs bid to call off nurses strike

The Health ministry has thrown its weight behind an application seeking to have the nurses strike called off.

Principal Secretary Julius Korir has in court papers said that the strike, called by Kenya National Union of Nurses (Knun) officials, is premature since talks on the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) are still ongoing.

Mr Korir, in papers filed at the Employment and Labour Relations Court, says any action that could jeopardise the talks should be discouraged.

Lady Justice Hellen Wasilwa of the labour relations court yesterday heard that the Council of Governors (CoG), county public service boards, Knun and Health ministry officials were negotiating the CBA.

The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) had on June 9 advised the parties on the parameters within which the CBA should be negotiated.

“The orders sought, and specifically the one seeking the calling off of the strike, are meant to safeguard public interest in the Health sector and avert further suffering by Kenyans as a result of the strike,” said Mr Korir in court papers. The application has been filed by Knun National Chairman John Biiy who argues that other union officials called the strike when talks were still ongoing.

READ: Six dead as nurses strike hits hospitals

He wants the strike declared illegal, arguing that it was called without following the law. He has sued Seth Panyako (Secretary General), Maurice Opetu (Deputy Secretary General), Asha Ali Ido (Assistant Secretary General), Joseph Ngwasi (Deputy National Chairman) and Agnes Munderu (National Treasurer).

Mr Biiy says that Mr Panyako had on June 5; without any consultation, committee resolution or notifying the national chairman, declared a strike for Knun members on grounds of failure by the Health ministry and CoG to sign the draft CBA.

The case will be heard on July 11.