Palestina - Health Workers Union leader sacked over complaints (2010)

In September, various transportation, teachers and health workers’ unions demanded an urgent meeting with caretaker Prime Minister Salam Fayyad after the firing of the leader of the Health Workers Union. Tensions had been rising between the Health Minister and unions over poor working conditions including the non-payment of overtime and transport costs. Osama An-Najjar, head of the health professionals’ union, accused the Health Ministry of «targeting union activities» and deliberately avoiding direct dialogue. According to the union, An-Najjar was then fired and another official dismissed. Health workers then went on strike. In a radio interview, the Health Minister Fathi Abu Moghli called the strike illegal.