By Safiyat Muhammed | The Bureau News
The Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Zamfara State chapter, has directed its members to commence a seven-day warning strike beginning midnight of Wednesday, September 12, to press home demands over alleged salary discrepancies.
Union Alleges Bias in Salary Implementation
In a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Comrade Shamsudeen Sadeeq, the union accused the State Commissioner for Health of “selective and biased leadership,” claiming that only doctors benefited from the 100% CONMESS salary implementation, while other health workers were left out.
The statement noted that despite issuing a 15-day ultimatum and holding several meetings with the state government, no progress had been recorded.
“The Commissioner for Health’s style is partial and unfair. Only doctors were fully captured in the salary implementation, leaving other health workers at a disadvantage,” the union alleged.
Strike Mobilisation
The joint unions have directed executives in all branches—including dispensaries, primary health centres, general hospitals, and specialist hospitals—to mobilise members for full compliance with the warning strike.
The strike is expected to last until Wednesday, September 17, after which the unions may consider an indefinite strike if their demands remain unmet.
Implications for Healthcare in Zamfara
The Bureau News notes that the industrial action could further strain healthcare delivery in Zamfara State, which already faces challenges of insecurity and poor medical infrastructure. Residents fear that the strike may worsen access to essential health services if not urgently resolved.
For more on Nigeria News Today, read The Bureau News Health Updates or see Premium Times’ coverage of labour disputes.
