Nursing union rules out strike, wants talks with HA

The Association of Hong Kong Nursing Staff has ruled out strike action, but wants to stress the need for protective gear as workers battle the coronavirus. Photo: RTHK

The Association of Hong Kong Nursing Staff said on Tuesday that it won't be going on strike or working to rule, to pressure authorities to ensure they have enough protective gear as they battle the coronavirus.



The group has agreed to launch actions as a follow-up to last week's strike by thousands of Hospital Authority staff.



But their action only involves asking nurses to call their hotline from Thursday, when there's insufficient protection at their workplace, which is in line with Hospital Authority guidelines.



The Association's chairman, Joseph Lee, who's also a lawmaker, said they're not trying to cause a staff shortage, but that as a responsible employer, the Hospital Authority needs to meet with them.



He said the Association wanted to alert the government and the Hospital Authority to the situation.



Ahead of the association's meeting, a group of protesters also gathered outside the venue condemning striking medics.