Health Workers Threaten Strike Over Allowance Arrears

BY VICTORY OKONJO The Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) and the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHIRAI) have issued a final strike notice over unpaid allowances, threatening to shut down health services from September 10, if their demands are not met. Both organisations made the declaration through their Delta State councils in a joint letter addressed to the Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme and sighted by our correspondent. The unions are demanding the payment of 16 months of peculiar allowance arrears and special allowances, for which cost implications have already been calculated and forwarded to the government. These demands have been the subject of correspondence since February 1. According to the letter signed by the unions' leadership, the State Executive Councils had initially scheduled a strike to commence on Tuesday, August 25. However, they agreed to suspend the industrial action for the 'very last time' until Wednesday, September 9. The unions warned that if their demands are not met by 11:59 pm on September 9, members will proceed on strike across all health institutions in Delta State effective 12:00 a.m on Thursday, September 10. The joint SECs expressed concern over the risk and stress involved for chairmen and secretaries of both councils, who have been travelling long distances since February to resolve the issues amicably. The letter was signed by Comrade Charles Urowayino (Delta State Chairman, NUAHP), Comrade Dr Monday Oywowetu (Delta State Secretary, NUAHP), Comrade Jude Aghoja (Delta State Chairman, SSAUTHIRAI), and Comrade Jerry Ikanone (Delta State Secretary, SSAUTHIRAI). The unions cautioned that the Commissioner for Health, Dr Onojaeme, would be held responsible for any industrial action that affects the health sector. They also noted that other affiliates within the Trade Union Congress (TUC) might show solidarity if the need arises. The unions have previously engaged in protests and warnings over salary structures and unpaid entitlements. The looming strike threatens to disrupt healthcare services across the state, potentially affecting patients in government health institutions. Efforts to speak with the Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, on this matter proved abortive at the time of filing this report.