27 Mar 2024 | 03:34 PM UTC
Mozambique: Medical workers suspend nationwide strike planned for March 28 /update 6
Health union in Mozambique suspend strike planned for March 28 following resumption of negotiations with authorities.
Leaders of the Association of United Health Professionals of Mozambique (APSUSM) have announced late March 27 the suspension of a nationwide strike originally planned from March 28. Prior to the commencement of the strike, authorities reportedly supplied the union with proof that they were complying with an agreement struck in August 2023. APSUSM has announced they were giving the government another 30 days to negotiate.
The strike and protests could resume at short notice should negotiations collapse again, causing delays in medical and health services. Protest locations include hospitals and clinics; security personnel will likely monitor sizeable gatherings if demonstrations are held; violence is unlikely.
Confirm medical appointments as a precaution. Plan for service delays; if possible, contact facilities in advance for information about wait times, which could vary. Exercise caution near any protests. Allow additional travel time near large rallies.
This is the latest strike movement in a series of actions dating back to November 2022, when negotiations with the government first collapsed. Since then, nationwide strikes have occurred regularly as negotiations collapse, lasting several weeks before authorities and unions agree to resume negotiations. Their demands include higher wages and an end to the shortage of drugs and surgical materials. Authorities have also been able to lobby the unions to cancel the strike over the health risks posed by the closing of medical facilities. The occasional strike action has regularly caused shortages and delays to medical services, though union officials reportedly worked to ensure a minimum level of service.
