By STELLA KABRUK

The National Association of Federal Health Institution Nurses and Midwives (NANNM-FHI) has threatened nationwide industrial action over alleged victimisation, salary irregularities and unpaid allowances unless their demands are urgently addressed.

The association announced the decision in a communique issued after an emergency virtual meeting of its National Executive Council (NEC) held on Wednesday in Kaduna.

The National Secretary of NANNM-FHI, Enya Agatha-Osinachi, said the union was deeply concerned about the suspension of its unit chairman and the alleged demotion of some nurses at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Barnawa, Kaduna.

She said the NEC also condemned the irregular payment of salaries and allowances to nurses in federal health institutions, the stoppage of teaching allowance for nurses on CONHESS 7 and 8.

The union also alleged collection of certificate verification fees from nurses at the Specialist Teaching Hospital.

Osinachi added that the council resolved that the management of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Barnawa, should reinstate the suspended unit chairman and reverse the demotion of affected nurses within 72 hours.

She warned that failure to comply with the resolution and respect the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) earlier signed before the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment would compel the association to mobilise nurses in all federal health institutions for industrial action.

“The NEC also called for the removal of the Medical Director of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Barnawa, over alleged high-handedness, victimisation, vendetta and disregard for the signed agreement.”

Osinachi further demanded the restoration of teaching allowances for nurses on CONHESS 7 and 8, the reinstatement of call duty, shift duty and other allowances, as well as the payment of all outstanding arrears.

She also urged the management of Specialist Teaching Hospital to immediately stop collecting certificate verification fees from nurses and refund those who had already paid.

According to her, nurses remain committed to quality healthcare delivery and industrial harmony but will not tolerate intimidation, unfair labour practices or breaches of agreements reached with government authorities.

She appealed to the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and the management of the affected institutions to address the issues promptly to avert industrial unrest.

Osinachi reaffirmed the association’s readiness to pursue all lawful trade union processes to defend the rights and welfare of its members. (NAN)

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