DAT allowance talks fail : Health sector to launch strike

February 12, 2024 at 3:00 PM

At least 72 health sector trade unions, except doctors, are to launch a strike tomorrow (Feb 13).

According to the trade unions, the strike will be launched from 6.30 am on Tuesday. 

The decision to launch a strike has been taken after a discussion with the Ministry of Finance held today had failed.

A discussion was held between the Finance Ministry and Trade Unions, on the latter’s demand for the Disturbance, Availability & Transport (DAT) allowance provided to doctors to be granted to healthcare workers as well.

In January this year, the Cabinet approved the President’s proposal to double the DAT allowance for doctors only, raising it from Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 70,000.

Following the decision, health sector trade unions demanded that the allowance be provided to them as well, threatening to resort to Trade Union action. (NewsWire)