New law bans Zimbabwe health workers strikes

Health workers in Zimbabwe have been banned from striking for more than 72 hours, with organisers risking up to six months in jail, according to a new law.

Those who defy the striking ban risk disciplinary action.

The Zimbabwe Association for Doctors for Human Rights said the new law was "draconian" and would push more health workers to seek employment abroad.

Zimbabwean doctors and nurses have often gone on strike over pay, shortage of equipment and medicine.

Some 4,000 health workers are estimated to have quit and likely emigrated in the last year alone.

The bill banning strikes was approved by parliament last November and published in the government gazette on Tuesday.

This article originally appeared on BBC News

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