The Federal Government is negotiating with stakeholders over Wednesday’s five-day warning strike by National Association of Resident Doctors members.
Dr Morenike Alex-Okoh, Director of Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health, told reporters in Abuja on Wednesday that the strike concerned the government.
“The administration is concerned about the doctors’ strike, and conversations are ongoing.
I can’t answer since we’ll we’ll keep going.
Nonetheless, she said that the government, ministry leadership, and relevant stakeholders are convening to settle the matter as soon as possible.
NARD warned the FG on Tuesday that it could not ensure industrial peace if the government failed to resolve issues presented before May 29.
NARD’sNARD’s National President, Dr. Innocent Orji, and Secretary-General, Dr. Chikezie Kelechi, signed the “Notice of Strike Action” letter.
NARD gave the FG a two-week ultimatum to fix issues by May 13.
The letter stated, “Regrettably, the issues have remained unsolved despite many attempts by NARD to get the government to rectify them.
“After her Extra-Ordinary Meeting on Monday, May 15, NARD’sNARD’s National Executive Council decided to start a five-day warning strike on May 17.
Doctors want 200 per cent of their gross pay under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure immediately.
NARD also wants the Law requiring medical and dental graduates to serve in Nigeria for five years before acquiring full licences to practise withdrawn immediately.
It urges state governments to evaluate Hazard Allowance and immediately domesticate the Medical Residency Training Act.
The FG warned the group to call off the strike on Tuesday, according to the PUNCH.
He warned after getting a letter from the NARD executive about the strike.
Ngige called the strike illegal in a statement by Olajide Oshundun, Director of Press and Public Affairs at the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
A warning strike is unmatched. Strikes strike, and they can risk it. Strikes are allowed. That right cannot be denied.
But, their employer has another authority under Section 43 of the Trade Dispute Act to withhold their salary for those five days.
If the NARD has strike funding, no problem.
“The health minister would tell teaching hospitals to engage ad-hoc workers for those five days and use the money of the people who went on strike to pay the doctors,” Ngige added.
Instead of a warning strike, he recommended doctors to talk to their employers.
NARD awaits FG’sFG’s bargaining request.
Dr. Orji, NARD’sNARD’s president, told the News Agency of Nigeria that members were still expecting the Federal Government’sGovernment’s negotiation call.
“I am still in my hotel room and have not been called to discuss the strike.
“We have heard that the government is considering a `no work, no pay” strategy, but our opinion is that it should fix issues highlighted because that is the only way to avoid escalation.
Threats will exacerbate the issue. Our members will decide how to manage no job or income.
“Going that approach will worsen the problem because it shows the government is not ready to address our concerns and will instead give punitive measures.
He stated, “Our members will decide and give us more directions, but no one should blame us if they escalate the strike.
