…Is industrial action any longer the language government proactively responds to other than with corresponding suspension of salaries?
Industrial actions loom in education and health sectors in Nigeria considered as the most fundamental sectors to be given budgetary consideration, to be followed by political will to its total implementation.
Public universities are closed down for almost a session and still counting, with the families of the striking staff, both the academic and the non academic, feeling the effects of their aggrieved action as most of the houses are empty of food for the family, hospital bills are hardly foot too, hence death casualties would not be ruled out.
The frustrated students, especially those who lack pragmatic skills that will be translated into money, either suffocate their parents or they are hemmed in by the devil in their idleness.
Similarly, the staff with the health sector are rumoured to be warming up with the warning issued by the National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD.
NARD has given the federal government two weeks ultimatum within which to implement agreements concerning their welfare or face industrial disharmony.
The association gave the the ultimatum after their National Executive Council meeting, which was held in Lafia, Nasarawa.
In a communique signed by NARD President, Dr Dare Godiya Ishaya, the doctors said they would reconvene in two weeks to review the progress made so far, as it relates to their demands.
They vowed to “take further actions for which nationwide industrial harmony may not be guaranteed.”
The doctors are asking the Federal Government to expedite action on the payment of the newly reviewed Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) so its members can meet up with the closing date of examination registration as advertised by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN).
They are also demanding the immediate implementation and payment of the new Hazard Allowance and arrears as contained in the circular from the
National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC).
Other demands include the payment of the skipping arrears for 2014, 2015 and 2016 to deserving members and immediate payment of consequential adjustment of minimum wage to its members who have not benefitted since it was implemented several years ago.
The doctors are demanding an immediate review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and other related allowances given the current economic situation in the country, and also in line with the agreed terms from the previous Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that it will be reviewed regularly.