The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Federal Health Institutions (FHI) Sector, has issued the Federal Government a 15-day ultimatum to address the alleged victimisation of its members at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Barnawa, Kaduna.
The union warned that it would commence a three-day nationwide warning strike if its demands are not addressed by July 29.
In a letter addressed to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, NANNM accused the hospital management of victimising union officials, failing to implement a previously agreed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), and creating conditions that could lead to industrial unrest.
The association demanded the reinstatement of its suspended unit chairman, the reversal of the alleged demotion of three nurses, full implementation of the MoU, and an investigation into claims of anti-union practices.
According to NANNM, the unit chairman was suspended after providing temporary accommodation for nursing students on clinical posting who were stranded.
“It is our considered view that this humanitarian action should have attracted commendation rather than punishment,” the union stated.
NANNM further alleged that the hospital’s Medical Director had failed to implement agreements reached following an earlier industrial dispute, despite intervention by the government.
While reaffirming its commitment to dialogue, the union warned that failure to resolve the issues within the 15-day deadline would leave it with no option but to embark on a three-day nationwide warning strike.
