Ministry of Labor declares health sector strike illegal in Santa Cruz, authorizes dismissals and salary deductions

The Ministry of Labor in Bolivia has officially declared the recent health sector strike in Santa Cruz illegal, authorizing the municipal government to take action against participating workers. The resolution permits the deduction of salaries for days missed and allows for the dismissal of employees who did not report to work on July 21, 22, and 23.

According to the resolution signed by José Francisco Arsenio Echazú, the departmental head of Labor in Santa Cruz, the employer, the Municipal Government of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, must verify attendance and implement sanctions according to law for the days not worked. Santa Cruz Mayor 'Mamén' Saavedra stated that those who did not work will face salary deductions. Furthermore, he announced that workers who did not show up on Thursday will be dismissed, and public calls for applications will be issued to fill these vacant positions.

Saavedra also mentioned that applications will be received digitally to facilitate the process, and the best profiles will be hired. This action follows a tense exchange between the mayor and a union representative from Hospital Municipal Bajío del Oriente during the 72-hour departmental health worker strike. The mayor had previously called the strike "unjustified," asserting that the municipal administration had already settled outstanding salaries and vaccination bonuses, which were the primary demands of the sector.

In response, the Union of Health Workers of Hospital Bajío del Oriente issued a statement rejecting the mayor's declarations and attitude. They contested his claims, highlighting their grievances despite the administration's stated efforts to resolve pending obligations.