Health workers withdraw from NLC strike

The health unions announced its withdrawal from the strike on Friday, May 27, in a letter addressed to the Chief Medical Director of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti.

The letter was signed by the Chairman, NUAHP, Kunle Esan; Chairman, NANNM, E.O. Martins-Adetoye; and the Chairman, MHWUN, S.I. Olajide.

“Having taken into consideration, the situation of things in the state vis-a-vis the strike action called by the Nigeria Labour Congress/Trade Union Congress and how it affects our people who need medical care, the Joint Health Sector Union, JOHESU, EKSUTH, has decided to suspend her participation in the ongoing industrial action,” the letter read.

“Our decision is based on the love and passion that we have for those who need our services and it is our hope that the state government will reciprocate our good intentions and gestures, by the payment of our January 2016 salary on or before the close of work on Thursday 2nd June 2016.”

The unions however said they are still in total support of the agitations by the NLC/TUC for the payment of the outstanding salary arrears, payment of gratuities and pensions among others.

READ: 'N18,000 minimum wage stays, cut your travels instead' - Fayose tells Governors

The State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, had on Thursday, May 26, told the workers that he is helpless, as the federal allocation which the state relies on to pay salaries has gravely plunged. He said he cannot sell himself or his family to pay the workers' salaries.