It has been reported that the workers of Ayder Referral Hospital in Mekele, Tigray region, started their strike on February 20, 2025. The workers are striking to demand solutions for benefits, overtime pay, suspension of transport services, and inadequate wages.

On the first day of the strike, the workers marched to Mekele University to present their grievances. They emphasized the negative impact these unresolved issues have on patient care.

The demonstrators reported that they did not receive a sufficient response from the Mekelle university officials. As a result, the employees of Ayder Referral Hospital staged their demonstration on February 21, 2025, within the premises of the hospital.

The Vice President of Mekele University, Dr. Tekeste Brhane, met with the protesting workers for the second time at the hospital, but stated that the matter is beyond the university’s capacity. After hearing the Vice President’s response on the afternoon of February 21, the workers went to the office of the President of the Interim Administration to complain about the suspension of their transport service, unpaid salaries, and benefits.

They also told Tigray Television that due to the suspension of transport services, workers could not reach the hospital on time, preventing them from providing timely services and care to patients. One worker added, “For the past eight months, we have been asking for at least transportation services because many of us have no other option to arrive on time.”

According to the doctors, due to the lack of fuel, the hospital is unable to operate the generators, endangering the lives of patients. Ayder Referral Hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Brhane Gebremeskel, also told Addis Standard that services, including emergency treatment, were suspended due to the strike by the hospital’s staff. He pointed out that the increase in fuel prices has worsened the situation, making it difficult for workers to manage with low wages and increased transportation costs.

Brhane Gebremeskel added that they are demanding the provision of transport for the workers to reach the hospital on time and the payment of their unpaid salary arrears of 17 months.

“On February 20, the hospital staff held a march towards Mekele University, then continued marching within the hospital premises, chanting ‘Hear our voices! We cannot serve patients properly! We are facing a serious problem,’” the head of public relations told Addis Standard.

The Vice President of Mekele University, Tekeste Brhane, said that the issue is primarily related to the lack of budget and the increase in fuel prices. According to Brhane Gebremeskel, the university does not have enough budget to meet the hospital’s needs.