Oyo
Oyo health workers begin 7-day strike over unaddressed concerns
The Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals in Oyo State Hospitals Management Board initiated a seven-day warning strike on Monday, highlighting their unmet demands.
Olanrewaju Ajani, the unit chairman, explained to journalists in Ibadan that the warning strike followed an ultimatum issued to the state government during the union meeting on February 23.
Mr. Ajani said that the ultimatum, effective from February 26 to March 4, led to the decision to commence the seven-day strike, lasting until March 11.
In the absence of a satisfactory resolution, he warned of a potential indefinite strike, urging members across various hospitals in the state to withdraw their services.
The union leader expressed frustration with the prolonged delay in addressing their demands by the state government.
According to him, the seven-day ultimatum aligns with section 41 of the Trade Disputes Act, Cap. T8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Mr. Ajani recounted numerous meetings and negotiations with management teams of Oyo State Hospitals’ Management Board, Ministry of Health, Office of the Head of Service, and other relevant offices.
Despite engagements and presentations, he noted a lack of meaningful responses to members’ concerns.
Among the urgent demands were the implementation of the new national hazard allowance for health professionals, teaching allowance for NUAHP members involved in training, adjustment of the CONHESS table for members, release of promotion letters, restoration of call duty allowance for dental therapists, and the recruitment of more health workers.
Mr. Ajani urged Governor Seyi Makinde to address the grievances promptly and with the urgency they deserve.