Health workers in Katsina State have announced a seven-day warning strike beginning Sept. 8, following the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum issued to the state government over unresolved demands.
The Assembly of Health Care Professionals in Katsina State announced the planned industrial action in a notice jointly signed by leaders of four health-sector unions.
The unions are the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria (AHAPN) and the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN).
The notice, addressed to the State Head of Service, followed the expiration of the unions’ ultimatum issued on Aug. 11.
Chairman of the assembly, Ibrahim Balange, said the ultimatum expired without what the unions considered a serious commitment from the Katsina State Government towards resolving their longstanding demands.
Balange said members had unanimously resolved to commence the warning strike at midnight on Tuesday, Sept. 8.
He warned that the unions would proceed on an indefinite strike if the government failed to resolve the issues at the end of the seven-day warning action.
The union leader accused the government of failing to demonstrate sufficient commitment to the demands despite what he described as previous acknowledgement of their grievances.
He said the assembly had exhausted all available channels for an amicable resolution of the dispute.
Balange appealed to members of the public to understand the position of the health workers and hold the government responsible for any inconvenience that might result from the industrial action.
The planned strike could affect healthcare delivery across the state if the dispute is not resolved before Sept. 8.
