On Thursday the Joint Health Sector Unions, Akwa Ibom State chapter, has suspended the industrial action they embarked upon two weeks ago.
The strike suspension followed a review of 80% of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure announced on Sunday by Governor Udom Emmanuel during a live AKBC Radio and Television programme.
In a statement jointly signed by the leadership of JOHESU in the state which included the chairman of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Patrick Odu, chairman of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, Godwin Archibong, and chairman of the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Workers professionals, Aniebiet Obot, the Unions suspended the strike and ordered members to resume work immediately.
The statement reads in parts, “Sequel to the agreement signed by the Organised Labour represented by the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council on Tuesday 28 July 2020, in respect of the industrial action embarked upon by the Joint Health Sector Unions over non-implementation of Consolidated Health Salary Structure, the Congress of JOHESU rose from its meeting today 29, July 2020 and resolved to suspend the strike
“Consequently, the strike is hereby suspended and members directed to resume their normal duties immediately.”
The workers who expressed optimism that the strike would soon be called off when all issues in the crisis have been met by the state government, however, appreciated the state Governor, Udom Emmanuel for promptly responding to part of their demands.
They also appreciated the Chief of staff and supervising commissioner of Works, Ephraim Inyangeyen, the head of the Civil Service, Effiong Essein and the leaderships of NLC, TUC and JPSNC for their cooperation and concerted efforts towards resolving the crisis in the state.
