By Bill W. Cooper
The National Health Workers Union of Liberia (NAHWUL) has commended the government for its recent decision to increase the salaries for some of its members following years of being underpaid.
This move, the Union noted, is a significant step towards improving the welfare of those on the frontlines of healthcare, thus expressing gratitude for the government’s recognition of the challenges faced by health professionals, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
NAHWUL, through its Acting Secretary General, Deemi T. Dearzrua, yesterday, February 5, 2025, admonished, “We, the leaders and members of NAHWUL, extend our profound appreciation to the Government for taking positive steps toward addressing our long-standing concerns regarding healthcare workers’ welfare.”
“Following the disbursement of January 2025 salaries and a preliminary analysis of reports from our members, we are pleased to note that some health workers have received increments in their salaries. This is a commendable demonstration of the government’s commitment to its promise of closing salary gaps within the Ministry of Health, and we think this is a laudable venture on the part of this administration,” he noted.
However, Dearzrua has also emphasized the need for swift action to address remaining outstanding issues, including inadequate working conditions, delayed benefits, and the need for comprehensive healthcare reforms for healthcare workers across Liberia.
The NAHWUL acting SG cautioned, “While we acknowledge the salary adjustment progress, there remain significant concerns that require urgent attention, and we are saying this because a motivated workforce is essential for delivering quality healthcare services to the citizenry.”
According to Dearzrua, reports from their members also indicate that some workers, particularly non-clinical staff and other cadres, have yet to benefit from any salary increment, while others have reported adjustments below their expectations.
This, he narrated, “Alarmingly, a few workers have experienced deductions rather than increments in their salaries as such, we therefore respectfully urge the Government to swiftly address these outstanding issues to ensure that all health workers benefit equitably from the promised salary adjustments.”
“Additionally, we call for any forthcoming salary adjustments to be retroactive to January 2025 to fairly compensate those left behind during the initial phase thereby enhancing industrial harmony.
We also wish to remind the government of its commitment to constructing staff hostels in three counties, a project announced by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) for 2025,” he asserted.
Dearzrua added, “We, therefore, anticipate the timely commencement of this project within the first quarter of this year, as it remains vital to improving the living conditions of healthcare workers in the rural areas of the country for the promotion of quality public health services.”
The NAHWUL acting SG further encouraged his members, particularly those negatively impacted during this year’s adjustment period, to remain patient as they continue their engagements with the government to resolve these issues amicably and expeditiously.