– West Berbice nurses join colleagues in Georgetown, Linden
Fort Wellington Nurses and other health workers join countrywide protest for respect and better treatment from the Government Nurses and ancillary staff Fort Wellington Hospital in Fort Wellington West Coast Berbice downed tools earlier today in an angry protest at what they generally described as shabby treatment by the Government.
The Nurses and other staff picketed the Office of the Regional Democratic Council at Fort Wellington from around 0800 hrs and at the time of the report the picketing exercise was ongoing.
A spokesperson vowed that the strike will continue until their demands for respect and fair treatment are met.
The nurses among other issues demanded a fair risk allowance and the availability of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), for them during their tours of duty.
Some of the Placards read: Essential Workers need essential pay” “You work us like a donkey and then treat us like a Junkie” “My family is at risk; we deserve better” “We mean business; no money no work; pay us now.” “Emergency budget from an empty treasury $0 for public servants $95M for new vehicles for top Government officials; $5B to reopen sugar industry,” “One mask one gown per week cant work” “Why treat nurses like trash.”.
The Health Care workers rebuffed a suggestion that they will get benefits when the budget is passed.
One spokesperson asked: Why we gotta wait. The sugar industry didn’t have to wait; the Ministers didn’t have to wait for their luxury vehicles money.”
Some also queried what the the $150M promised by the Minister could realistically do for Nursers.
One opined that with the thousands of Nurses countrywide the $150M might very well amount to about $2800 per Nurse.
The protests left the Hospital barely functional with a mere handful of Staff on duty.
The Nurses and health care workers on the West Coast of Berbice pledged to continue their struggle for respect and better working conditions.
