By Matthew Denis
The Congress of the Coalition of Health Sector Unions (COHESU) Kwara State branch has suspended its indefinite strike.
Recall that the health workers had commenced an indefinite strike across the 16 local government Areas of the state two weeks ago to agitate for the non implementation of the 10 Consolidated Salary Structure (CONHESS) for workers.
The Congress which held its meeting at the Nurses’ House, Ilorin on Tuesday resolved to suspend the industrial action because of the conditions contained in a statement signed by state Chairmen of National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Comrade Joseph Adekanye and Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Comrade Muritala Olayinka.
“Due to the current outbreak of Lassa fever and polio virus in some parts of Kwara State and in order to allow the participation of our members in efforts to curb the diseases spread in the state.
“That due to intervention of well meaning stakeholders in the state we hereby suspended the strike and our members are expected to resume work on 23rd January, 2019 with hope that the state government will urgently address the issue that led to the strike.
The statement further called the attention of Kwara State Head of Service, Mrs. Susan Modupe Oluwole to note that both medical bodies are recognised trade unions established under Decree 4 of 1996 whose membership spread across all the tiers of governments therefore should be represented at the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC).
“That full implementation of promotion should be paid rather than being short paid as noticed in the last payment of promotion exercise. We also request that the pay slip be given to our members on monthly basis as health workers in the 16 local councils are not certain how their salaries are being deducted.
“That seniority list be followed in the appointments of officers into various positions and those abnormally appointed should be corrected in order to maintain sanity in the system.
“That the issue of manpower shortage should be urgently addressed both at the state and local government areas in the health sector.โ
The statement also called for concerted efforts to implement the 10 per cent CONHESS for all the 16 LGs health workers in the next JAAC meeting for the month of January, 2019.
They also appealed to the Head of Service to use her good office to mediate on the lingering issues after which COHESU will have no option than to resume the suspended strike.
