Workers in several government-owned hospitals across Kaduna State have commenced a five-day warning strike on Monday over the non-implementation of the 2009 CONHESS and hazard allowance, leading to the crippling of hospital activities.
The Nigerian Association of Nurses and Midwives, the Nigerian Association of Laboratory Scientists, and the Association of Hospital Administrative Pharmacists, Kaduna State Chapter, had organised the industrial action.
There was complete adherence to the strike action at the Sabo General Hospital in Sabon Tasha, Chikun Local Government Area, the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, and the Gwamna Awan General Hospital, Kaduna.
Several resident patients had informed newsmen old on Monday that they noticed the absence of nurses in the premises, unlike the previous week when nurses were seen, prompt in discharging their duties.
What They’re Saying
Comrade Ishaku Yakubu, the Chairman of the Nigerian Association of Nurses and Midwives, Kaduna State Chapter, had said that they were demanding their 2009 CONHESS and 2022 hazard allowance, which the government had continuously failed to fulfill for several months, instead giving them empty promises.
He explained that in 2023, the union had proposed a strike action but the government had set up a committee to address the issue.
Yakubu revealed how the government promised to implement the salary review for all health workers but while doctors received their balance of the 2014 CONHESS, nurses remained waiting for their balance of the 2009 CONHESS.
Yakubu also stated how the union had been demanding for their 2022 hazard allowance that was still unpaid.
Yakubu finished his statement with the announcement that the union would only call off the strike if their demands were met.