AS the strike embarked upon by health workers under the aegis of Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) continues, more facts have emerged with the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI) beckoning on President Goodluck Jonathan to accede to JOHESU and JORAISU’s demands.

 

SSAUTHRIAI, in an open letter to the president, signed by Dr B. A. Akintola and Mr M. O. Akinade, President and General Secretary respectively, asserted that the workers and trade unions were not to blame for the industrial action but the failure of the government to honour the agreement reached and voluntarily signed with JOHESU between February 17, 2011 and November 19, 2014.

 

It added that the grouse of the union also included the refusal of the Ministry of Health, representing the Federal Government, to abide by the judgement of the National Industrial Court (NICN) of July 22, 2013 NICN, despite no stay of execution, in favour of JOHESU to include: Constitution of Board of Management of Federal Teaching Hospitals, Presidential Committee Report on Harmony in the Health Sector, and, Promotion of Health Professionals from CONHESS 14 to 15.

 

 

“The refusal of the Federal Government to implement the court judgement and honour agreement voluntarily signed with JOHESU is the cause of the current industrial action. In all honesty, the Federal Ministry of Health is the major problem in the health sector because of its discriminatory policies in the treatment of matters affecting medical and dental doctors and other health professionals. The JOHESU has done the needful and fulfilled all righteousness. Threat of sack, act of intimidation and refusal to pay salary cannot dissuade JOHESU members from continuing with the strike. What can bring an end to the strike is for the Federal Government and its agencies to be alive to their responsibilities,” the statement held.

 

On the crisis in the research institutes and allied sector, it noted that the failure of the government to abide by the recommendation of the technical committee on the impasse between the Federal Government and JORAISU composed of Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRAI), Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and Academic Staff Union of Research Institutes (ASURI) on certain issues was the cause.

 

The statement noted that government approved the demands of JORAISU to include: Demand for withdrawal of circular on non-skipping of Salary Grade Level 10 (NICN Court Judgement in favour of the trade unions); retirement age of 65 years for non-research staff as is obtainable in the university; peculiar allowances/earned allowances.

 

According to the union, JORAISU initially objected the use of “staggered payments overtime” for the financial implication of over N118.2 billion for the 12 months arrears of 53.37% salary, presented by the presidential committee.

 

Upon receiving this report, it decried that the President Jonathan was yet to approve the payment of the arrears even after the four weeks effective date given to allow the committee get his approval.

 

“It is only the Research Institutes and Allied Institutes Sector, in the country that has not been paid 12 months arrears of 53.37% increase in CONRAISS salary structure effective from July 1, 2009,” the statement held.