Oyo health workers suspend strike, say progress made

Members of the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), Oyo state chapter, have suspended their seven-day warning strike.

The union embarked on the strike on March 4, with Olanrewaju Ajani, chairman of NUAHP in the state, saying the action followed the expiration of the ultimatum given to the state government at the meeting of the union held on February 23.

Ajani said the ultimatum, which took effect on February 26, ended on March 4.

He said most of the demands by the union have not been met, while members were also not receiving the expected attention from the state government

The union’s demands include the implementation of the new national hazard allowance for health professionals, the implementation of a teaching allowance for NUAHP members, the release of promotion letters for qualified members who participated in promotion exercises, and the recruitment of more health workers and professionals.

In a statement on Monday, Ajani announced that the industrial action was suspended at 11:59 pm on Sunday.

“Having heard some positive steps taken by the government to address our demands and the love for the masses, especially the civil servants, by Gov. Seyi Makinde, the expanded executive committee hereby directs all our members to resume duty from Monday, March 11, 2024,” the statement reads.

The union acknowledged the efforts of the ministry of health and State Hospitals’ Management Board for the assurance given to members that their cases were being handled by the government.

It, however, condemned the role of some heads of departments and medical directors/medical officers in trying to victimise, force or coerce its members to work.

The union said no co-employee or employer has the right to victimise or intimidate any member for participating in industrial action called by it.

The union gave the state government 21 days within which to start responding positively to all its demands.

“This is because, after this, we can no more guarantee industrial harmony in the health sector and all our hospitals as our members will embark on an indefinite strike,” the statement reads.

“We appreciate all members of the public for their understanding, and they should know that all our agitations are to be able to provide them with quality and affordable health services in the state.”