CHAM disown Nurses body, MCTU call on ultimatum and strikes

Christian Health Association of Malawi (CHAM) has disowned a call from National Organisation of Nurses and Midwives (NONM) and Malawi Congress of Trade Union (MCTU) to issue an ultimatum or industrial action to demand government to pay salary arrears for health workers in mission hospitals.

CHAM Chairman Father Peter Mulomole said the association’s secretariat was not consulted when the two union bodies issued deadlines and calling for strikes over salaries for CHAM workers.

“The issue of industrial action is a last resort to us meaning that after failing to discuss with government that’s when we can call for a sit in but before that we also need to consult our mother bodies like Malawi Council for Churches (MCC) on the matter,”  he said.

He said himself and CHAM Executive Director Dr Mwai Makoka met Minister of Health Jean Kalirani who assured them of the approval of full payment for the staff.

“The latest report that we have received is that the payment is at voucher stage now,” he said.

Father Mulomole further said his association respects the rights of its health workers and labour laws including the right to fair wages and that of lawful demonstration.

However, he said, CHAM believes it should be exercised with close attention to the church’s teachings and the calling of ‘Promoting the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.’

He therefore appealed to all staff in CHAM facilities to return to their duties in order to save lives.

Meanwhile, government through Treasury has announced the release and approval of K1billion for CHAM health workers.