Workers of National Hospital, Abuja, have threatened to embark on an indefinite strike by noon on Sunday, if its management fails to meet their demands.
Acting under the aegis of Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), the workers made this known in Abuja at the end of a three-day warning protest tagged: “Work to rule”.
The warning strike was to draw attention of the hospital management to pay the teaching allowances of its members on Grade Levels 07 and 08, since 2013.
JOHESU comprised Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Senior Staff Association (SSA) and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM).
The Secretary of NANNM, Mr. Alalade Faramade, who read the union’s resolution, expressed worry that the chief medical director of the hospital did not show any concern towards resolving the lingering problem throughout the warning protest.
“We are giving the hospital management the opportunity to show evidence of concrete commitment towards the restoration of teaching allowance for our staff.
“This evidence will include a convincing plan for settlement of the accrued arrears from 2013 before end of official work on Friday.
“Having exhausted all avenue for peaceful resolution of this conflict, if by 12 midnight on Sunday 20th the National Hospital management has not adequately addressed the problem, the members of the joint unions shall commence indefinite strike,’’ he said.
The Chairman of MHWUN in the hospital, Mr. Tajudeen Rasak, said the union held an impromptu meeting with the management on Wednesday, describing it as fruitless.