
says the strike by health workers at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) and other parts of the country is illegal.
Mr. Liato said no dispute has been declared between government and the labour movement for the health workers to continue with the strike.
The minister said he is making arrangements to meet the striking health workers at UTH, Saturday.
Mr. Liato said the workers should resume work and allow government to look into their demands.
He said government is faced with serious financial limitations arising from the Global Financial Crisis and could not have offered more.
He has however thanked other civil servants that have resumed work after the signing of the 15 percent salary and wage increment.
Nurses and health workers at UTH and some parts of the country have continued with their strike despite government awarding a 15 percent pay rise.
Meanwhile, Police today dispersed nurses who had gathered near their hostels at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka.
The officers who kept vigil at the health institution were stationed at the main entrance to the hospital, while others were inside manning entrances to closed wards.
UTH Public Relations Manager Pauline Mbangweta said the officers have been manning the hospital since the strike started to protect hospital property.
Ms. Mbangweta said management had received reports of thefts and had to ask for reinforcement from the police.
A ZNBC crew found nurses walking around UTH premises as the police officers kept a watchful eye.
Nurses at the hospital have continued with their strike despite repeated calls from Government and their union leaders for them to resume work.
Government and the public service unions signed a 15 percent salary and wage increment.
[ZNBC]