Zimbabwe Nurses Strike April 2026: ZINA Announces Nationwide Job Action Over Low Salaries

Healthcare workers protest over salaries in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s public health sector is bracing for disruption after nurses announced a nationwide strike from 15 to 17 April 2026, citing low salaries, poor working conditions, and lack of transparency in payroll systems. The Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) formally notified the Health Service Commission (HSC) of the planned industrial action in a letter dated 26 March.

ZINA President Enock Dongo said the union had exceeded the legally required 48-hour notice period to allow room for dialogue before the next pay cycle.

“The basic salary for nurses remains unacceptably low and not commensurate with the cost of living or the demands of the profession,” Dongo said.

He warned that current wages are also affecting long-term welfare:

“This basic salary determines retirement packages, effectively condemning nurses to retire into poverty after years of service.”

The planned action highlights growing tensions around Zimbabwe nurses' salaries and working conditions in 2026, as public sector workers push for improved remuneration.

ZINA is demanding an urgent Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for nurses in Zimbabwe, arguing that inflation and rising transport costs are eroding incomes. According to the union, many nurses now spend a significant portion of their earnings on commuting, with some forced to walk long distances to work due to unaffordable transport. Health economist Prosper Chitambara said the situation reflects broader economic pressures:

“Without regular cost-of-living adjustments, public sector wages quickly lose value, especially in volatile economies like Zimbabwe.”

ZINA also raised concerns over salary deductions and missing payslips, saying the lack of transparency makes it difficult for workers to verify their earnings. The union criticised the recent job evaluation exercise, alleging that many nurses were poorly graded relative to their responsibilities, a concern that has sparked debate over fairness in the public health system.

“The grading system does not reflect the workload and sacrifices nurses make daily,” a Harare-based nurse said.

The association says health sector allowances in Zimbabwe have become outdated and “meaningless” amid rising living costs. Nurses are also struggling to secure affordable accommodation, particularly in urban centres such as Harare. ZINA further cited lack of input in shift scheduling, staff shortages, and alleged intimidation of nurses who raise concerns as key grievances contributing to dissatisfaction.

ZINA is calling for a comprehensive reform package, including:

• Salary review and increase for nurses

• Introduction of a meaningful COLA

• Updated health sector allowances

• Improved transport support

• Full payroll transparency and payslip access

• Fair job grading system

• Housing support and residential stands

• Reforms to the locum system to address staff shortages

Dongo said the union remains open to dialogue and could cancel the strike if authorities respond positively. The Zimbabwe nurses' strike in April 2026 comes amid wider unrest in the public sector, with workers demanding wage reforms in line with the rising cost of living. Analysts warn that failure to resolve the dispute could further strain Zimbabwe’s already stretched healthcare system, potentially impacting service delivery across public hospitals.

Zimbabwe nurses; ZINA strike April 2026