Manila: The Antique provincial government is preparing to increase the manpower of health workers, particularly nurses from the eight district hospitals, in response to an ongoing strike by around 60 contract of service (COS) employees at the provincial hospital. These workers have halted their duties due to delayed salary payments.

According to Philippines News Agency, Governor Paolo Everardo Javier announced during a press conference that efforts are being made to process and release the salaries of the COS employees by October 12. However, he noted that if the strike persists and the employees do not return to work, the government would be compelled to bring in additional staff from other hospitals to ensure the continued operation of the Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital (ASMGH).

The strike, which began on Wednesday, involves health workers who make up half of ASMGH's workforce. Governor Javier expressed gratitude towards the Antique provincial board for their approval of the PHP574.24 million Supplemental Budget No. 3 on August 4. This budget includes nearly PHP149 million allocated for the July salaries of COS nurses across the district hospitals and the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) of Antique.

Javier highlighted that salary delays for COS employees have been an issue since the previous administration, emphasizing the need to identify and address the underlying problems to ensure timely payments. He reminded the striking COS workers of the 'no work, no pay' policy, suggesting that expressing grievances on off days would be more appropriate. He also warned that continued disruption of public services might lead to non-renewal of their contracts upon expiration.