Monrovia, Liberia — The National Health Workers Union of Liberia (NAHWUL) is urging calm and patience among healthcare workers as they continue to engage the government for better working conditions and wages. NAHWUL has a long history of advocating for improved working conditions, salary increments, reclassification, and the employment of volunteer workers. Since President Joseph Boakai took office, the union has been discussing with the Ministry of Health to address critical issues affecting health workers’ welfare and improving Liberia’s health system.
In a weekend release signed by Acting Head of Secretariat Deemi T. Dearzrua, NAHWUL expressed concern that some health workers have bypassed peaceful engagements, issuing ultimatums for a go-slow strike action. The union stated that while it appreciates advocacy for the welfare of its members, strikes should be a last resort.
“We believe in the power of dialogue as a vital tool for resolving disputes and achieving our goals. We urge our colleagues to allow this process to unfold, giving the new government a reasonable period to address our concerns,” NAHWUL stated. Recently, a leaked communication signed by Theophilus Tamba Fayiah, President of the Liberia National Physician Assistants, revealed that health workers have given the government a July 24, 2024, ultimatum to implement a Salary Reclassification Policy.
The communication notes that if the government fails to meet the deadline, health workers will take unspecified actions and are planning tactics to implement a strike. However, NAHWUL calls for calm among healthcare workers, encouraging them to perform their duties professionally and ethically. The union reassures its members that it is actively engaging with relevant authorities to address their concerns, warning that it would not hesitate to resort to strike action if the government fails to engage in good faith.
The decision to strike will be made collectively by NAHWUL members. Additionally, NAHWUL reminded its members about the ongoing Physical Verification and Headcount operations for all government spending entities, announced by the Civil Service Agency (CSA), ending on August 20, 2024. The union strongly encourages all members to participate to ensure compliance and avoid potential embarrassment.
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