Last night, KHMH management declared a trade dispute with the KHMH Workers Union. CEO Chandra Nisbet Cansino has formally asked the Ministry of Labour to convene an essential services arbitration tribunal.
She writes, quote, "Attempts made to resolve the issue have been futile. The Authority maintains that the KHMHA staff do not qualify for a pension under the Pensions Act. Despite an offer being made for their consideration, the KHMHAWU has proceeded with industrial action as opposed to negotiation. The KHMHAWU is in violation of the law and have now put the safety of patients at risk. The Union has failed to report a trade dispute as required by the Settlement of Disputes in Essential Services Act.
We respectfully request the Minister's intervention in accordance with the Act and in the absence of a Collective Bargaining Agreement."
The letter followed a sickout on Tuesday which saw over 40 staffers call in sick, resulting in a major interruption in services. The units principally affected were the dialysis and radiology units where a number of persons with appointments had to be sent home or redirected to private care.
This comes after the KHMHAWU formally rejected the proposal of the government side - which is a 4% Ex Gratia payment towards the retirement benefits for qualified hospital staff for the period 2001-2017. A letter from the union says, quote, "the proposal was met with disappointment and has been outright rejected by the membership."
