Yesha
Member
- Jan 28, 2026
- 46
- 35
Zimbabwean nurses have announced plans to embark on a nationwide strike from 15 to 17 April 2026, citing what they describe as “poverty-level” salaries and worsening working conditions.
The industrial action was confirmed in a formal notice issued by the Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) on 26 March 2026. Nurses have given authorities until 14 April to address their grievances, warning that failure to do so will result in a full withdrawal of services.
According to the notice, the strike will involve nurses across the country, including those working in central, provincial, and district hospitals, as well as clinics and other health facilities. However, essential staff in intensive and critical care units are expected to remain on duty to prevent loss of life.
Key Grievances
At the center of the dispute are low wages that nurses say no longer reflect the rising cost of living in Zimbabwe. The association argues that salaries have not been adjusted in line with inflation, leaving many health workers struggling to meet basic needs.
Nurses are demanding:
• A salary review aligned with the cost of living
• Introduction of a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)
• Improved transport allowances
• Updated and fair allowances
• Greater transparency in payslips and salary deductions
They also raised concerns about staff shortages, high accommodation costs, and heavy workloads, warning that these challenges are compromising both worker welfare and patient care.
Broader Context
The planned strike follows a series of protests and disruptions in Zimbabwe’s public health sector in recent weeks, with nurses at major hospitals previously downing tools over similar concerns.
Healthcare workers say many are now unable to afford transport to work, with some reportedly walking long distances due to rising costs. Others warn that current salaries could leave nurses retiring into poverty after years of service.
Possibility of Resolution
Despite the planned strike, ZINA has indicated that the action could be called off if the government responds positively to their demands before the deadline.
The situation places pressure on Zimbabwe’s health authorities to reach a resolution quickly, as a prolonged strike could significantly disrupt healthcare services for millions of citizens.
The industrial action was confirmed in a formal notice issued by the Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) on 26 March 2026. Nurses have given authorities until 14 April to address their grievances, warning that failure to do so will result in a full withdrawal of services.
According to the notice, the strike will involve nurses across the country, including those working in central, provincial, and district hospitals, as well as clinics and other health facilities. However, essential staff in intensive and critical care units are expected to remain on duty to prevent loss of life.
Key Grievances
At the center of the dispute are low wages that nurses say no longer reflect the rising cost of living in Zimbabwe. The association argues that salaries have not been adjusted in line with inflation, leaving many health workers struggling to meet basic needs.
Nurses are demanding:
• A salary review aligned with the cost of living
• Introduction of a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)
• Improved transport allowances
• Updated and fair allowances
• Greater transparency in payslips and salary deductions
They also raised concerns about staff shortages, high accommodation costs, and heavy workloads, warning that these challenges are compromising both worker welfare and patient care.
Broader Context
The planned strike follows a series of protests and disruptions in Zimbabwe’s public health sector in recent weeks, with nurses at major hospitals previously downing tools over similar concerns.
Healthcare workers say many are now unable to afford transport to work, with some reportedly walking long distances due to rising costs. Others warn that current salaries could leave nurses retiring into poverty after years of service.
Possibility of Resolution
Despite the planned strike, ZINA has indicated that the action could be called off if the government responds positively to their demands before the deadline.
The situation places pressure on Zimbabwe’s health authorities to reach a resolution quickly, as a prolonged strike could significantly disrupt healthcare services for millions of citizens.
