‘Unpaid hazard allowances’ — Ondo health union joins nationwide strike

Members of the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) working in public hospitals in Ondo have joined their colleagues in the nationwide strike.

Speaking with journalists on Tuesday, Adeyinka Adedire, NUAHP chairman in Ondo, said the union has withdrawn all services to join the strike as directed by the national body of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).

TheCable had earlier reported that members of  JOHESU commenced an indefinite nationwide strike on May 24.

The health workers started the strike to compel the government to pay their hazard allowances and also meet the adjustment of the salary structure, among other demands.

“Consequently, arising from the congress of the union held today, 30th of May, 2023 at the Ondo state senior staff club, members frowned at the incendiary and oppressive stillness of the government to the union’s plight and consequently, with one accord, resolved to withdraw our services forthwith across all primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities in Ondo state as directed by the national,” Adedire said.

“The withdrawal of services is hereby declared to commence immediately, effectively today, Tuesday, 30th of May, 2023 at 2:22 pm in accordance with the directive of national JOHESU. It is notably pragmatic for us as members of Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), Ondo state council, to join other states of the federation like Lagos and Oyo in the national strike directed by national JOHESU.

“Other states where the strike was not embarked upon by workers in the state employ already have the new hazard allowances approved for them, are enjoying almost 100 percent of consolidated health salary structure(CONHESS) such government also stole a march on the unions by entering into different agreements to forestall the strike.

“These steps taken by progressive, responsive and labour-friendly government representatives to mitigate health workers’ hardship and enshrine improved quality healthcare services are presently being approved by the different state governors concerned and workers are already in jubilations. This was achieved in some states without strike action due to the proactive dispositions of government representatives.

“Regrettably, in Ondo state, no single intervention has been deployed by government representatives involved as they never availed themselves of any opportunity for resolution or dialogue after the notice of dispute declaration was submitted by the union as directed by the national body.”

The chairman said the union was demanding the implementation of a new hazard allowance as done for workers in federal institutions.

He said the union also demanded promotions for worthy workers from level 16 to 17 and the creation of a medical laboratory services department at the state ministry of health.

“Full implementation of CONHESS salary structure in the state. Health workers are earning 75 percent despite economic realities and inflations. And particularly now, in the face of the removal of fuel subsidy. Domestication of the pharmacy consultant cadre in the state. Upward review of call and shift allowances for health workers,” he added.