Health workers in Nasarawa begin Indefinite Strike

The Coalition of Nasarawa State health professionals Association (CNSHPA) has commenced an indefinite strike action to press home its demands for better welfare.

Spokesperson of CNSHPA who doubles as Chairman, Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, Mr. Kyari Caleb disclosed while briefing newsmen in Lafia the State Capital.

He noted that the decision to embark on the strike was agreed upon by members in a meeting held by the Association.

Caleb noted that some of their demands include, lack of promotions among members since 2011, failure on implementation of N30, 000 minimum wage for its members, and lack of annual increment among others.

The spokesperson said that the coalition had exercised so much patience in its demands, ‘’but we’re pushed to the wall.’’

He said that in June 2020, the union had embarked on a strike over the same issues, but it had to suspend the strike after persuasion by the government.

The Chairman stressed that after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the government promised to begin implementation of their demands immediately, but unfortunately up till now the government had reneged in its promise since 2020.

He noted that members of the association in all tertiary health facilities in the state had withdrawn their services with effect from Monday, June 7, 2021, till further notice.

Caleb said that members would continue to stay at home until the government does the needful.

The Head of Service of Nasarawa state, Mr. Nicholas Aboki had in a media briefing on Friday, June 4, appealed to the unions to suspend their planned strike action, adding that the government was working hard to improve their welfare.