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SVG union, nurses to strike in vaccine pushback

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SVG union, nurses to strike in vaccine pushback

Article By: Old Harbour News
  • Aug 24, 2021 07:58 PM | Top News, International

Public Service Union (PSU) and nurses in St Vincent and the Grenadines have declared their intention to the Governor General Susan Dougan to withdraw their service.

The decision comes in the wake of the Dr Ralph Gonsalves-led government’s amendment to the Public Health Act, local online-only daily newspaper NEWS784 is reporting. 

Other public servants are being called upon to withdraw their services during the scheduled period September 7–10, 2021.

The groups said a consensus had been reached with its members, as they believe the revised act infringes on their fundamental rights and freedom. 

They are contending that this will grant the state greater autonomy to mandate certain classification of essential workers to take the covid-19 vaccine.

The St Vincent and the Grenadines government refutes this claim.

In August protest erupted in the Caribbean country with Prime Minister Gonsalves injured in the process.

The country has recorded more than 2,320 coronavirus cases with12 associated deaths. From a population of 110,000 inhabitants, to date some 16,000 people have received at least a single shot of the covid-19 vaccine with a little more than 10,000 fully vaccinated.