Zimbabwe Nurses To Go On Nationwide Strike From 15 April Over ‘Poverty-Level’ Salaries

Nurses Give Government 14 April Deadline Before Nationwide Strike

Zimbabwean nurses will embark on a nationwide strike from 15 April 2026 over what they describe as “poverty-level” salaries and deteriorating working conditions, according to a formal notice issued by the Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) dated 26 March 2026.

The three-day strike is scheduled to run from 15 April to 17 April 2026, with nurses giving authorities until 14 April 2026 to address their concerns before they withdraw their services.

In the notice addressed to the Health Service Commission (HSC) at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare, the association confirmed the impending industrial action.

“We have been instructed by our members to advise your office that all nurses under your employ are going to embark in a nationwide strike, which strike shall commence from the 15th of April 2026 to the 17th of April 2026.”

The association said although the law only requires a 48-hour notice, they opted to give more time to allow authorities to respond.

“In the spirit of amicable resolution of disputes, we have considered that we should give the employer a longer notice period so as to address the grievances of the nurses before the next pay cycle, failure of which, the nurses will have no choice but to carry out the strike.”

Low Salaries And Rising Cost Of Living At Centre Of Dispute

The Zimbabwe Nurses Association said salaries remain unacceptably low and no longer reflect the cost of living.

“The basic salary for nurses remains unacceptably low and not commensurate with the cost of living or the demands of the profession.”

The association warned that the situation has long-term consequences for nurses.

“Of grave concern is that this basic salary forms the basis upon which retirement packages are calculated, effectively condemning nurses to retire into poverty after years of dedicated service.”

Nurses also raised concerns about the absence of a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).

“There has been no meaningful adjustment of salaries in line with the rising cost of living… Nurses therefore demand the urgent introduction of a Cost of Living Adjustment to cushion them against prevailing economic conditions.”

Transport costs were also cited as a major challenge affecting attendance and service delivery.

“Nurses are now spending a disproportionate amount of their income on commuting, with some resorting to walking long distances to work. This situation is unsustainable and directly affects attendance, morale and service delivery.”

Staff Shortages, Allowances And Working Conditions

The association also raised concerns over staff shortages, accommodation costs, and outdated allowances.

“Health institutions are experiencing critical staff shortages, which are placing excessive strain on the existing workforce and compromising service delivery.”

Nurses also complained about unexplained salary deductions and missing payslips.

“Members continue to experience unexplained salary deductions. This is compounded by the prolonged unavailability of payslips, which denies nurses transparency and the ability to verify their earnings.”

The association further said accommodation costs have become prohibitive.

“Rental costs have become prohibitive, further straining already limited incomes… institutional accommodation is not a luxury or convenience, but a necessity.”

Concerns were also raised over shift arrangements and locum systems.

“Nurses therefore demand autonomy in determining and managing the distribution of shifts among staff, to promote fairness, efficiency, and quality of care.”

Nurses Give Deadline To Avoid Strike

The Zimbabwe Nurses Association listed several demands, including:

Salary review
Cost of Living Adjustment
Updated allowances
Transport support
Payslip transparency
Job grading corrections
Shift autonomy
Housing support
Improved locum system
Protection of labour rights

The association indicated that the strike could still be called off if authorities respond positively.

“Should there be a positive response to the demands, the nurses will consider cancelling off the job action.”

The notice, signed by Zimbabwe Nurses Association National Executive President E. Dongo, was copied to the Minister of Health and Child Care, Provincial Medical Directors, Chief Medical Officers, and senior hospital officials.

The nationwide strike is set to begin on 15 April 2026, unless negotiations between nurses and authorities produce a breakthrough.