The Herald (Harare)
5 November 2009
Harare — St Anne's Hospital in Harare is battling to pay its 200 workers the salaries awarded by an arbitrator in April.
Hospital general manager Mr Munatsi Shumba said they had low bed occupancy and could not sustain the salaries.
"There is low bed occupancy at our hospital. We also have a lot of expenses to meet.
"Like any company, we have to balance our financial requirements," he said.
Mr Shumba said many people were going for treatment at Government hospitals where charges were fairly low compared to private institutions.
The workers received an arbitration award decreeing that the lowest paid earn US$190, including transport and housing allowances.
The workers had demanded US$500, inclusive of allowances, while the hospital was offering US$110.
In granting the award, an independent arbitrator said it was important to balance the figures and awarded the workers US$190.
The award was for the first quarter of 2009 but up to now the workers are still to receive the salaries.
Workers accused hospital management of deliberately disregarding the award.
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