Delta health workers suspend strike over uniform allowance

By Egufe Yafugborhi ASABA — Allied health workers in Delta State have suspended their industrial action after the state government pledged to pay outstanding uniform allowances, while negotiations continue over their other demands. The workers, under the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) and the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSATHURIAI), are expected to resume work from 8am on Thursday. The decision followed an intervention by the state Commissioner for Health, Joseph Onojaemo, and a meeting with the leadership of the two unions. The unions had embarked on the strike over outstanding allowances and other demands.

In a notice signed by the NUAHP State Secretary, Comrade Dr Monday Abednego Oyovwevotu, the union said its expanded State Executive Council and State Administrative Council meeting, which lasted from Tuesday night into the early hours of Wednesday, reviewed the strike and resolved to suspend it. “The expanded SEC & SAC in-session after a SWOT analysis (our Strength, our Weakness, our Opportunity, our Threat) resolved that the strike be suspended,” the statement said. “Consequently, the strike is hereby suspended effective Thursday, 24th by 8am. Members have from now to Thursday morning to resume at work. ” The development followed a September 21 meeting involving the Commissioner for Health, the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the chairmen and secretaries of NUAHP and SSATHURIAI. According to NUAHP’s account of the meeting, the commissioner appealed to the unions to suspend the strike to enable him seek Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s approval on their outstanding demands. The union said the commissioner explained that he had requested two months…