Union escalation in pursuit of fair pay for laboratory staff
LIBYA – Adel Belhaj, head of the General Syndicate of Laboratory Medicine, has said the sit-in will continue in pursuit of fair salaries and benefits for workers, arguing that the government has offered no real response — only promises unaccompanied by clear decisions or set dates — despite correspondence and meetings with it and with the House of Representatives.
Legal team formed
In a phone interview with Libya Al-Ahrar TV, which broadcasts from Turkey — followed and summarised by Al-Marsad — Belhaj explained that the movement had formed a legal team to defend workers in the medical and allied health professions, and was coordinating with the Libyan Workers’ Union and the Federation of Libyan Workers’ Unions to reach out to international bodies, including the International Labour Organization.
Protest planned in Misrata
He announced that the movement intends to stage a protest on Tuesday in front of the Misrata Municipal Council, and is preparing for further protests and escalation.
Shortages of medicines and equipment
He said their demands include fair treatment and the provision of resources, criticising the way citizens hold medical staff responsible for shortages of medicines, operating supplies and equipment, even though providing infrastructure and equipment is the state’s responsibility.
Risks of medical work
He stressed that medical work involves high exposure to disease, particularly given the challenges of irregular migration and the informal entry of foreign workers, which he said makes fair salaries and benefits essential.
