KU Hospital nurses issue 21-day strike notice, demand reduced working hours

Nurses at the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) have threatened to strike if their grievances are not addressed within the next 21 days.

The healthcare workers, under the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN), have expressed concerns about several issues, including the promotion of all nurses, payment of accrued arrears, and the reduction of working hours.

In a letter dated September 9, 2024, and addressed to the hospital's Chief Executive Officer, the union outlined a list of demands that must be met by September 30, 2024, to avert the planned industrial action.

“We are in receipt of grievances from our members, which efforts by the union through her representatives have not yielded desired results,” KNUN Secretary General Seth Panyako said.

The union’s demands include the re-designation, alignment, and proper placement of nurses in job groups in line with existing policies, alongside the payment of accrued arrears. Additionally, they seek the promotion of all nurses who are eligible and the settlement of their pending dues.

The letter also calls for the payment of allowances, as recommended by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), and the reduction of nurses' working hours to 35.5 hours a week, with a maximum of 40 hours.

The union also called for the conversion of all casual and contract nurses to permanent and pensionable employment. They also demand the full implementation of the KUTRRH Human Resource Policy and the hiring of 800 additional nurses to address staff shortages.

The nurses further want the appointment of a substantive Director of Nursing Services, as well as the completion and signing of a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) to secure improved working conditions.

“In view of the above, the union demands that the stated issues be addressed within twenty-one (21) days. Failure to do so will result in all nurses at your hospital commencing a strike on September 30, 2024, at 00:01 am, which will continue until the issues are resolved,” Panyako warned.

The Union officials have been instructed to mobilise the members to participate in the strike.

However, Panyako noted that they are willing to engage in dialogue with hospital management to resolve the disputes.

“We are, however, open for dialogue and are committed to a cordial working relationship,” he said.