The state chapter of Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) on March 1, 2014, embarked on an indefinite strike to demand the implementation of 30 per cent balance of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) which was approved in 2011.
Addressing a press conference yesterday, the state Head of Service, Mr. Akila D. Bungwon, said the government is worried by the lingering strike.
He added that series of meetings have been held with stakeholders to resolve the matter and that it was carefully explained to members of the unions that government could not fully implement the CONHESS, due to low revenue base.
Bungwon, who stated that a machinery has been put in place to improve internally generated revenue, pointed out that government has not reneged on the agreement as insinuated by some people.
“During the meeting, a draft memo was laid before the unions for consideration to which they made all the necessary observations and amendments. Even with this, the unions insisted that it was still a draft which needed to be agreed upon by congress. When we met again the following day, Tuesday 4, 2013, representatives of the union came with the brief that congress has unanimously resolved to sustain the industrial action until their demand is fully met,” he said.
He appealed to people of the state to be patient as government is making efforts to provide “at least, skeletal services in all medical facilities”.
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