DOCTORS’ STRIKE leaders found guilty of CONTEMPT

The court has ruled that Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KPMDU) officials are in contempt of court for failing to call off the doctors’ strike as ordered.

The court had on December 1^st ordered the union to hold off the industrial action for 30 days to allow for negotiations, but doctors proceeded to stage picket on December 5.

Labour Court Judge Hellen Wasilwa now saysd that the officials are guilty of blatantly disobeying court orders, and therefore should punished.

While giving the ruling on an application by Council of Governors seeking punishment of doctors for holding the strike, the judge said that the court will not shy away with dealing with contempt, adding that the court has to safeguard the dignity of the law.

The judge further directed the KPMDU officials to appear before the court on Thursday, when they will receive the details of their punishment.

Governors want the doctors be jailed for three months or be fined for not calling off the strike as directed by the court.

KPMDU has, however, vowed to continue with the strike, adding that there will be no more discussions unless the Collective Bargaining Agreement signed in 2013 is implemented.

Should it be implemented, the 2013 Collective Bargaining Agreement will see doctors receive a 300% pay rise, a reduction of the country’s doctor-patient,  improved their working conditions among other changes.