Strike at Privately-Run Saudi Hospital after Salary Delays

Rasa - A large number of employees at one of Saudi Arabia's largest privately-run hospitals have gone on strike because of non-payment of salaries for the past three months.

News ID: 423769

Date: 21 September 2016 - 14:31

RNA - Jamil, an employee at the Saad Specialist Hospital in the eastern city of al-Khobar said the hospital administration has not paid their salaries for three months now, after stopping transportation and housing allowance since July 2015.

A nurse said all staff members, including administrators, went on strike. She pointed out that cleaning and security employees, who have low salaries, did not join the strikers because they were properly paid, the Arab News website reported on Wednesday.

She said the hospital’s management has not given any indication as to when they can expect payment or why salaries have not yet been paid. She said the Labor and Social Development Ministry has so far been unable to resolve the issue, despite meeting with staff members several times.

The strike began around three weeks ago, but gathered steam following the Eid holidays.

The hospital employs more than 4,000 people, 19 percent of whom are Saudis. The 15-year-old medical facility was considered one of the top hospitals in the region, attracting doctors from all over the world.

The hospital is a part of a conglomerate, which includes civil engineering, construction and real estate investment companies.

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