By Admin
Health workers in Cross River State have concluded plans to embark on a 7-day strike, beginning today, 14th May 2025.
According to The Converseer, this development follows a 7-day ultimatum issued by the Joint Action Committee of Health Sector Unions in the state on 9th May and formally endorsed on 13th May by leaders of six unions: the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP).
In the notice addressed to the state governor, Senator Bassey Otu, the unions expressed disappointment over the government’s failure to act on an agreement regarding a 15% payment of the salary differential between the existing structure and the 2024 reviewed structure demanded by the unions.
The notice reads in part:
“On behalf of workers in the health sector of Cross River State, we once again extend to Your Excellency fraternal greetings.
Recall that the Joint Action Committee of Health Sector Unions in Cross River State recently issued a 14-day ultimatum due to unresolved challenges in the health sector. In response, the government, through the Honourable Commissioner for Health, established a committee to engage with the unions.
The government proposed to pay 15% of the differential between the current salary structure and the 2024 revised structure. Although this offer fell significantly short of expectations, the unions, acting in good faith and considering the state’s economic realities, accepted it with the understanding that implementation would begin in April 2025 and be reviewed as the state’s economic situation improves.
However, the government has failed to honour this agreement. We feel deeply betrayed and disappointed, especially after demonstrating understanding and patriotism.
Consequently, we have resolved to proceed with industrial action and hereby issue a seven-day ultimatum beginning Wednesday, 14th May 2025. Should the status quo remain unchanged by the end of this ultimatum, we will be compelled to commence an indefinite strike.”
The statement concluded with a collective appeal for the immediate implementation of the agreement as outlined in the committee’s report, urging the government to act swiftly to prevent a complete shutdown of the health sector.
Signatories:
- COMR Emmanuel T. Amor, Chairman (MHWUN)
- COMR Ejeheri Victor (PhD), State Secretary (MHWUN)
- COMR Josephine Bassey, State Chairperson (NANNM)
- COMR Immaculata Njoku, State Secretary (NANNM)
- COMR Orok Okon, Chapter Chairman (NUAHP)
- COMR Equali Valentine, Chapter Chairman (AMLSN)
- Dr. Isaac R. Bassey, State Chairman (ASUP)
- COMR Asuquo Odiong, State Secretary (ASUP)
- COMR Effang Aeffiong A., State Chairman (SSANIP)
- COMR Eni Bassey Usang, State Secretary (SSANIP)
