29 Jul 2024 | 09:07 PM UTC
Mozambique: Unionized healthcare workers postpone nationwide strike to Sept. 2 /update 12
Unionized healthcare workers postpone strike in Mozambique to Sept. 2 to allow government an opportunity to address demands in August.
Unionized healthcare workers affiliated with the Mozambican Medical Association (AMM) have announced that they have postponed their planned 21-day nationwide strike, which was initially slated to begin July 29, to Sept. 2 following negotiations with government officials. The AMM asserted that the purpose of the postponement was to allow the government an opportunity to address their demands during the month of August; the AMM threatened to commence the strike on Sept. 2 if the government does not do so. AMM leaders may change their strike plans on short notice.
Monitor local media for the latest developments. If the strike action resumes on short notice, confirm medical appointments and plan for medical service delays. If possible, contact facilities in advance for information about wait times, which could vary by location.
The planned strike is the latest in a series of similar labor actions dating back to November 2022. Workers are generally demanding increased medical funding, higher wages, and better working conditions, among other demands. Authorities have previously been able to successfully lobby unions to cancel strikes over the health risks posed by closing medical facilities. The previous healthcare strike lasted from April 29 to May 30, and approximately 50,000 healthcare professionals participated. Union leaders claimed that over 1,000 unattended patients died from a lack of services.
