The National Health Workers Union Association of Liberia (NHWUAL), has officially inducted its new leadership, setting the stage for a four-year term dedicated to advancing the interests of healthcare workers.
The induction ceremony, followed the elections of its newly elected officials at the 3rd National convention, held over the weekend in the courtyard of the Monrovia Vocational Training center (MVTC).
Those inducted into office to run NHWUAL’s affairs are Francis B. Kerkula, President, Madam Doris Konneh Clarke, Vice President for Administration, Reverend Simeon A. Morris, Vice president for Operations, Demmi T. Dearzua. Secretary General, Madam Edwina Sheriff, Treasurer, and Madam Alice Jackson, Chaplain.
In his inaugural address, Mr. Kerkula spoke of the critical role that trade unions play in protecting workers’ rights, and promoting fairness in workplaces, particularly in the health sector.
As an organization that serves as a voice for workers in various industries, NHWUAL is committed to advocating for better wages, improved working conditions, and comprehensive benefits for its members.
“Healthcare workers are the backbone of our health delivery system,” said Mr. Kerkula.
”Our union is essential in protecting health workers’ rights, and ensuring they can provide quality patient care.”
NHWUAL’s new team aims to highlight the crucial contributions of trade unions in the health sector.
Kerkula also outlined his vision for healthcare workers, promising to negotiate for fair wages, benefits and improved working conditions; reduces burnout and turnover; promotes safety at workplaces; protects healthcare workers from potential dangers; supports workers’ mental health; addresses stress, anxiety and trauma.
He promised to also foster a culture of respect, diversity, and inclusion; improves patient care and workplace environments; provides training and education; enhances workers’ skills and knowledge; represents workers in disputes and grievances; ensures fairness and justice for all health workers.
Mr. Dearzua, announced that government assured the leadership of working out modalities to absurd volunteers’ health workers.
As of its membership, Dearzua said NHWUAL has over 8,000 registered members, but statistics proved that 10,000 healthcare workers are assigned in the public sectors, while 7,000 of them are in the private sector.
He meanwhile, cautioned his elected colleagues to stand up for all health workers as their voices can be heard based on the decision the leadership is going to make in the four years.