Nursing groups stage 'Black Out' day over wage issue

Several nursing groups have come together to stage a 'Black Out' day today, to protest the current wage issue they have with the government.

The Jamaica Midwives Association, the Nurses' Association of Jamaica and the Jamaica Enrolled Nurses Association have urged their members to show up for work in full black.

"Together we believe that a stronger message will be sent to the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, the Ministry of Health and all four regions (regional health authorities), the groups said in a joint statement.

They complained that since December 2022 their lives have been "rearranged negatively" by the implementation of the government's compensation review for public sector employees.

The groups claimed that several attempts to correct or seek redress on a number of issues "have fallen on deaf ears".

"Despite numerous promises and assurances, we are yet to receive our rightful compensation. The delayed payment has caused financial hardships and distress to us and we still continue to provide essential health care services to our country," the statement said.

- Livern Barrett

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