Hopes of ending the ongoing nurses strike hit a dead end today after a planned reconciliation meeting between the Council of Governors and the union failed.
Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) acting secretary general Maurice Opetu (pictured) accused the CoG of resorting to blackmail the union into calling off the strike before signing an agreement, resulting in the walk out.
“No amount of intimidation or blackmail will diffuse the resolve by nurses to push for the signing of the negotiated and agreed CBA by both levels of government. The ongoing strike will continue until our grievances are adhered to by the CoG and Government,”said Opetu.
Opetu took issue with the COG chairman Josphat Nanok for failing to show up and sending representatives at the meeting. They said Nanok has been the stumbling block to talks to end the job boycott.
“The Council of Governors and Ministry of Health are aware of our demands, which are within our legal rights to demand payment,” noted Opetu.
They appealed to President Kenyatta to intervene and help resolve the standoff.