Health workers in Nairobi have issued a stern warning to the county government, threatening to suspend services if their June salaries are not paid in full by the end of today.
In a letter addressed to the County Secretary and copied to all facility CEOs and relevant county offices, representatives from five health workers’ unions expressed frustration over what they termed as “untold suffering” caused by delayed payments.
“Our members are unable to meet their day-to-day needs, including commuting to work,” reads part of the letter.The unions cited Section 18(1) of the Employment Act, 2007, which obligates employers to pay workers no later than the fifth day after the end of the pay period, saying the county’s repeated failure to honor this law “undermines the rule of law and fair labor practices.”
They warned that unless the issue is resolved by close of business today, health workers will stay away from their stations until their dues are paid in full.
Despite several calls to ensure that the issue is resolved the County has not taken any measures to avert the situation.
If the matter is unresolved it could paralyze health services across the county’s public hospitals and clinics, making it worse for Nairobi residents who depend on them daily.
The health workers are now calling out Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration to respect its obligations and treat labor rights with the seriousness they deserve.
"Respect for labor rights is not a privilege it is a constitutional guarantee," the statement reads.