BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- Health workers in the West Bank will go on strike this week in protest against bad work conditions and the late payment of salaries, health unions said Sunday.

The health sector will go on full strike from Sunday, but will work on Tuesday in order to fulfill their responsibilities to the general public, a statement from the federation of healthcare unions said.

Emergency cases and emergency surgical procedures will continue, the union said, as will open heart surgery. Workers will also continue to treat cancer patients, those on dialysis and women giving birth.

The union has given the Palestinian Authority a deadline of Feb. 21 to initiate dialogue, and if it continues to neglect the health sector the union will escalate protests and strike action.

Health workers have launched strike action throughout February to protests dire work conditions and the PA's failure to pay worker salaries.