Enugu
The strike embarked upon by workers of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu has crippled activities at the facility, leaving patients stranded.
It was gathered that the entire hospital was deserted as workers have complied to the strike declared by the Joint Health Sector Union(JOHESU).
Our correspondent who observed the strike noticed that only few senior medical officials and security personnel were seen at the hospital as at the time of filing this report.
The indefinite strike, which resumed 12 mid night last Thursday is over non-payment of salary and other arrears.
Chairman, Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals and Secretary Trade Union Congress, TUC, Enugu, Mr. Ben Asogwa, had while addressing the workers at a pre-strike rally, said they had exhausted all avenues for dialogue to no avail.
He said that they had no choice than to down tools pending when all their salary arrears were paid to the last kobo.
This followed alleged refusal of the Medical Director, Dr. Jojo Onwukwe, to accede to the request of the workers despite the requisite notice given to him.
JOHESU had earlier issued a 21-day ultimatum to the management of the hospital over a litany of issues. This was followed by another 7-day ultimatum, which has also expired.
JOHESU’s ultimatum borders on withheld salaries and arrears from February 2017 to date; withheld promotion arrears, withheld teaching allowance and enrollment of the hospital into the Integrated Payroll Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
The ultimatum was signed by Comrades Ozurumba Anthony, Onu Bank-Anthony, Sims Nwagwu, Ugwu Eric. A. Eze Mathew and Oduru Friday on behalf of JOHESU affiliate bodies.