Doctors at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital took industrial action on Tuesday, October 13, calling for outstanding salaries to be paid and greater certainty about their employment.

Dominica Public Service Union General Secretary Thomas Letang said some doctors have not received salaries dating back to July. He also reported delays in allowances and payments for on-call and call-out duties. According to Letang, some workers have been sent home without knowing whether they will be rehired.

The union is also questioning the use of short employment arrangements, with some doctors reportedly receiving letters covering only two to six months. Letang said an earlier understanding with Health Minister Cassanni Laville was that doctors would receive contracts of at least one year, followed by reviews and possible extensions. He added that gratuity payments owed since 2023 remain outstanding.

Concerns were also raised about safety in hospitals, including reports of staff being verbally abused and physically attacked. Letang said doctors at Marigot Hospital were also facing significant pressure. The union planned to meet later on Tuesday to discuss its next steps.

You can join the WhatsApp group for summaries: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IOx7Pe7C9Dm8bUJDrw6czU?mode=gi_t

You can join the WhatsApp channel for a full list of articles: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBcJ3gKLaHkB4lQXM1m