Bengo Government disputes legitimacy of planned nurse strike

The Bengo Provincial Government has labeled an upcoming strike by nurses as ‘illegitimate,’ claiming it has addressed approximately 90% of the demands presented by the National Union of Nurses of Angola (SINDEA).

Matondo Alexandre, Director of the Provincial Health Cabinet, stated that 13 of the 15 points raised by the union have been met. He noted that the remaining two administrative issues are being analyzed at a higher governmental level and are outside the provincial government's direct jurisdiction. To address housing concerns, the Provincial Infrastructure Cabinet announced the availability of land plots in the Panguila municipality for health professionals.

Despite these claims, nurses in Bengo plan to begin a strike on Monday, September 14. The workers are protesting the alleged failure to fulfill previous commitments, specifically regarding the allocation of land and the payment of COVID-19 subsidies.