MONROVIA – The National Health Workers Union of Liberia (NAHWUL) has distanced itself from ongoing strike actions by some health workers, emphasizing that such actions are premature and counterproductive amidst active and constructive negotiations with the Liberian government.

In a press statement released Monday, NAHWUL disclosed that it has been engaging the government on critical issues affecting health workers, including improved working conditions, salary increments, the reclassification of roles, and the employment of volunteer health workers. The union stressed its commitment to dialogue, describing ongoing negotiations with the government as “meaningful and progressive.”

The statement comes amid reports that some health workers have been misinformed about the outcomes of recent discussions between NAHWUL and the Government of Liberia (GoL). The union clarified its position, detailing several agreements already reached to improve the welfare of health workers across the country.

One of the key outcomes of these discussions is the government’s commitment to constructing accommodations for health workers in rural areas. According to NAHWUL, this initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) and the Ministry of Health (MoH), is scheduled to begin in 2025. Three counties will be identified as pilot locations based on critical needs assessments by the MoH.

NAHWUL also addressed transportation challenges faced by urban-based health workers. The union revealed that the MoH is engaging development partners to secure support for improving transport services, a long-standing issue affecting urban healthcare providers.

Another significant achievement highlighted in the statement is the government’s allocation of funds to absorb volunteer health workers into the official workforce. NAHWUL pledged to ensure that this process is conducted transparently and equitably, providing relief to many volunteers who have been working under precarious conditions.

The issue of salary adjustments and reclassification was also addressed in the press statement. The MFDP has announced top-ups ranging from $25 to $225 to align salaries of health workers with similar qualifications and roles. The Civil Service Agency (CSA) clarified that formal reclassification applies only when an employee’s initial role becomes redundant, leading to a reassignment. However, health workers who have upgraded their qualifications will see incremental adjustments to their salaries, ensuring parity with counterparts in similar roles.

Specialized doctors transitioning to administrative roles were another focus of the discussions. NAHWUL explained that doctors assuming administrative positions will no longer retain higher clinical salaries, as administrative roles come with fixed pay scales. While this policy has sparked debate, the government maintains that the measure is necessary for consistency and fairness in public service compensation.

NAHWUL also called for uninterrupted supplies of drugs, medical equipment, and reagents, which remain critical for effective healthcare delivery. Additionally, the union urged the MoH to develop and implement a human resource replacement plan to fill vacancies created by retirement, death, or abandonment of duties.

The union reiterated its non-political stance, asserting that its constitution prohibits any affiliation with political entities. While individual members are free to join political parties of their choice, the union as an institution remains focused on advocating for the rights and welfare of health workers.

In a strong appeal to health workers, NAHWUL urged its members to remain at their posts and continue to deliver professional and ethical services. “Engaging in strike action while actively negotiating is counterproductive. We believe in the power of dialogue and are committed to resolving issues through constructive engagement,” said Deemi T. Dearzrua, Head of the Secretariat.

While NAHWUL affirmed its right to strike under International Labor Organization (ILO) conventions, it stressed that such actions should only be considered as a last resort. The union assured the public that it remains steadfast in pursuing solutions through negotiations and will provide regular updates on progress.

As the government and health workers’ union continue to navigate these complex issues, NAHWUL reaffirmed its dedication to the health and well-being of Liberians across all 15 counties.

Monrovia, November 4, 2024 — The National Health Workers Union of Liberia (NAHWUL) has reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for better working conditions and wages for healthcare providers while calling on its members to remain patient as discussions with the government continue.

In a statement delivered by Deemi T. Dearzrua, Head of the Secretariat of NAHWUL, the union emphasized that it has actively engaged successive Liberian administrations for over a decade, seeking improvements such as salary increments, reclassification, and the regular employment of volunteer workers. Following the election of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, NAHWUL ramped up efforts, initiating dialogue with key government bodies, including the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, and the Civil Service Agency.

“Since mid-February 2024, we have been in dialogue with the new administration, outlining our demands and expectations,” Dearzrua noted. Key issues highlighted by the union include the swift employment of volunteer healthcare workers, the need for reclassification and salary increases, better conditions for rural healthcare staff, and standardized job descriptions. NAHWUL also stressed the importance of ensuring healthcare workers can take annual and maternal leave without suffering financial penalties.

The union recognized a positive shift in the current administration’s approach compared to its predecessor. Under the previous government, healthcare workers saw a reduction in salaries due to a controversial “harmonization” policy, coupled with an absence of dialogue between the government and NAHWUL leadership.

This year, in October, NAHWUL participated in a significant three-day session with government officials at Cape Hotel, addressing concerns around salary restructuring. Earlier today, NAHWUL leadership met with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and the Ministry of Health to work toward finalizing these key matters.

NAHWUL lauded the current administration for appointing a specialist to oversee continued dialogue, describing this as a meaningful step toward resolving outstanding issues. However, the union also reminded the government of the urgency required to address the welfare of healthcare workers, cautioning that prolonged delays would not be tolerated.

“We encourage all healthcare workers to remain patient and continue constructive dialogue. We have a unique opportunity to negotiate with a government that is willing to listen and collaborate as equal partners,” Dearzrua stated. “At the same time, we urge the government to act decisively and promptly to address our members’ concerns.”

NAHWUL’s leadership reiterated that while progress has been made, their resolve remains firm in securing improved conditions for all healthcare professionals in Liberia.