Edo Health Workers Insist on Continuing Strike Despite Government Opposition

Health workers in Edo State have vowed to continue their ongoing strike action, despite the state government’s disapproval and efforts to resume negotiations.

The Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Edo State Chapter, began a seven-day warning strike at midnight on Friday, following what it described as the government’s failure to respond to its demands after a 14-day ultimatum expired last Thursday.

In a message circulated to members on Sunday, the union’s Public Relations Officer, Iduwe Endurance, reiterated the need for total compliance, warning that any deviation from the directive would not be accepted.

“Total compliance is required, and anything short of that will not be tolerated,” the message stated.

The union had earlier, in a statement signed by Chairman Osagie Ogbeide and Secretary Barivure Kpakol, instructed members to withdraw their services from all state and local government health facilities, pending a “genuine and concrete” response from the state government on their outstanding welfare-related demands.

However, the Edo State Government, through a statement by Governor Monday Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, condemned the strike, calling it “ill-timed, unpatriotic, and unjustified.” The government expressed disappointment that the action came even as negotiations were ongoing.

“The strike undermines the spirit of dialogue and reflects a lack of sincerity on the part of the union’s leadership,” the statement read.
“Some of the issues raised, including the renovation of doctors’ quarters, are already receiving attention from the current administration. Many of these concerns were inherited from the previous government.”

The government accused a section of the union leadership of pursuing personal financial interests, claiming that the refusal to meet “unlawful financial demands” led to the industrial action.

“The strike seems driven by ulterior motives known only to a few individuals in the union’s leadership, rather than the broader interests of its members,” the government stated.
“This action endangers the lives of vulnerable citizens in need of medical care and amounts to a betrayal of the medical profession’s core ethics.”

Despite the backlash, union members remain resolute. Some workers who spoke anonymously on Sunday said they would only return to work if directed by the union leadership.

“We stand with our leaders and hope that discussions will lead to a resolution before the end of the warning strike,” one member said.

The state government has scheduled a meeting with union representatives for Monday (today) to continue discussions.