Health workers commence 3-day warning strike

  Olufemi Ajasa

Activities in many Federal Government Hospitals were paralysed today as health workers commenced the three-day warning strike ordered by the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU).

Cross sections of health workers observing the 3-day warning strike at the National Orthopaedics Hospital, Igbobi  in Lagos.

The union said it was agonized when an
appraisal meeting between both sides on January 16 showed the health ministry “has virtually not implemented any of the issues in contention”.
In a communique issued by the Chairman, JOHESU, Dr. Ayuba Wabba, the union stated that the warning strike is to protest acts of industrial violations, injustice and deprivations of their members by the Federal Ministry of Health.”
Similarly, Chairman, JOHESU, National Orthopaedics Hospital Igbobi chapter, Comrade Motunrayo Awe, at a rally at the hospital accused the government of non-compliance with the National Industrial Court’s judgment on appointment of other health professionals as consultants and the payment of specialist allowance.
Awe added that the review of retirement age from 60 to 65 years had been agreed since May 2013 for workers in tertiary health institutions, like their counterparts in the universities with whom they share similar conditions of service, but without claim the health sector is yet to get a positive action from government.
Meanwhile, a resident, Elizabeth Awosiyan, who brought her daughter, Sarah for treatment, lamented the strike situation saying she was dismayed when the doctors announced to them earlier that day that health workers  are on strike.
“I brought her here yesterday for the treatment of a fracture in her arm area, they attended to us well but I was surprised when they told us this morning that we can’t go for x-ray test today as the place was shutdown, so we are left with no other option than wait.” She concluded.

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