Harare-Zimbabwe nurses at public hospitals have announced that they are cutting their working hours as a way of cushioning against the deteriorating working conditions.

The announcement comes in the wake of an expiry to the two week ultimatum that was communicated to associations in the health sector.

They are demanding a review of their salaries failure of which they will embark on a full scale strike.

 “It was noted in the aforementioned meeting that whilst there had been some attempts to address minor grievances, the most important grievances relating to remuneration of health workers vis-a-vis the current economic climate have not been addressed.

“In light of the above, the meeting resolved to partially withdraw services for one week, concurrently reiterate the need for the HSB (Health Services Board)) to resolve all grievances,” the letter said.

The nurses said all health workers will attend work for only two days between June 17 and 23.

“Should the remaining grievances remain unresolved by close of day, June 23; all health workers will completely withdraw their labour from June 24.”

The situation has been worsened by spiralling prices of basic goods as well as bus fares which in turn chews their salaries.

Most civil servants are earning less than US$100 with the US$ trading at between RTGS $8.80 and $9.30 against the US dollar.