Akwa Ibom State Government has described as unlawful, the threats by the Joint Health Workers Union (JOHESU) to embark on strike over demand for payment of 50% of basic salaries as hazard allowance.
The state government said the planned strike action is ill-conceived in ‘this harsh economic climate’.
Charles Udoh, Commissioner for Information, said the government had made concerted efforts to provide the best of working conditions for health workers in the state, including up to date payment of all due salaries and allowances, which makes the state one of the best paying states in the health sector.
“The efforts of the state government in this regard has continued to receive widespread commendations from various healthcare stakeholders in the country.
“Against this backdrop, the government is constrained to state that it is unreasonable and also unlawful for healthcare professionals to embark on any form of strike action during period of Coronavirus pandemic.
“Therefore, a full complement of related healthcare professionals are expected at their duty posts unfailingly, as required by the terms and conditions of their employment.
“Any staff not found on duty will be considered to be no longer interested in the job and will be relieved of such duty with immediate effect. The relevant health authorities have been mandated to conduct headcount.
“The state government has made adequate arrangements to ensure that those who are interested in performing their lawful duties are allowed to do so without disruption or molestation of any sort.
“Anyone found obstructing or disrupting healthcare operations anywhere in the state, under the pretext of an industrial action, will be apprehended and prosecuted.
“It is criminal for anyone to obstruct health care workers from performing their legitimate duties in this period of emergency
“Government is aware that the ill-conceived industrial action and blatant act of sabotage by JOHESU is sponsored by political detractors with an underlying intent to vandalize healthcare facilities in the state.
“Security agencies in the state have been fully briefed to ensure the continued protection of lives and property, using all legal means.
“Citizens and residents are enjoined to continue to cooperate with the government in the fight to curtail the surge of the COVID19 Pandemic in our state”.
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