Reports of a sickout at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, the national referral hospital, have flooded our newsroom.
As we reported, the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority Workers Union (KHMHAWU) remains in dispute with the KHMH Authority over pension and ex gratia payments.
The Authority has proposed one-time payments for staff employed between 2001 and 2017 to be issued upon retirement or departure as a gesture of recognition for years of service.
However, the union has rejected the revised offer, calling it a step back from earlier promises and criticising the hospital’s portrayal of basic benefits as generous incentives. KHMHAWU also accused the Authority of using divisive tactics to deflect from demands for fair compensation.
News 5 has reached out to the KHMH for comment.
Tensions between the Authority and the Union appear to be escalating, as multiple staff members called in sick today in what appears to be a coordinated “sickout
President of the Union, Andrew Baird confirmed that he and several other employees reported sick and stressed their legal right to do so. “We are entitled to be sick,” Baird stated. “I visited my physician, who advised bed rest. I understand others are also out sick, but I don’t know their specific conditions.”
We’ve also seen a text message sent to KHMHA staff informing them that “radiologists have call-in sick. Due to this, we will not be able to facilitate ultrasounds and contrasted CT scans.”
Baird added that working conditions and recent developments could be taking a toll. “When people are under discomfort or pressure at work, it can affect them mentally and physically,” he said.
While Baird did not confirm the exact number of workers out sick today, he noted that, institutionally, employees have the right to use their certified and uncertified sick days without needing union approval. “Sick leave is not a favor. It’s an entitlement,” he said.
In terms of hospital operations, Baird said that was a matter for hospital management. “Maybe some bacteria or something is going around the hospital,” he added with irony, suggesting management should investigate.
