WORKERS' GROUP BACKS NURSES' STRIKE, CALLS FOR REMOVAL OF KADUNA HOSPITAL DIRECTOR.(PHOTO).

 Workers' Group Backs Nurses' Strike, Calls For Removal Of Kaduna Hospital Director

The Workers' Rights Campaign (WRC) has thrown its weight behind the strike ultimatum issued by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives – Federal Health Institutions (NANNM-FHI) against the management of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital (FNPH), Barnawa, Kaduna State.

In a statement signed by WRC Chairperson Frances Akinjole and Secretary Bàbá Ayé, the group accused the hospital management of victimising union leaders, intimidating nurses, and failing to implement agreements previously reached with workers.

The WRC warned that if the issues remain unresolved within the union's 15-day ultimatum, nurses will begin a three-day warning strike on July 29. It also called on nurses in federal health institutions across the country to prepare for coordinated industrial action in solidarity with their colleagues in Kaduna.

According to the group, the dispute stems from what it described as the management's continued victimisation and unfair treatment of nurses. Among its concerns is the suspension of the hospital's NANNM chairperson after she reportedly provided temporary accommodation for stranded student nurses at the union secretariat.

The campaign also criticised the demotion of the union's Public Relations Officer and two other executives from CONHESS Level 13 to Level 12, describing the move as an act of victimisation.

Additionally, the WRC alleged that the hospital's management had refused to implement a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) reached through the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment after a previous 108-day industrial action.

The group further referenced allegations by the Elegant Nurses Forum (ENF), which claimed that security operatives were used to intimidate workers during the earlier strike.

As part of its demands, the WRC called for the immediate reinstatement of the suspended union chairperson, restoration of the demoted officials to their former salary grade levels, and full implementation of the outstanding MoU, including proper placement of newly recruited nurses on the CONHESS salary scale, promotions for eligible staff, and payment of outstanding uniform allowances.

The organisation also urged the Federal Government to investigate allegations of victimisation and anti-union practices within the hospital and called for the removal of the hospital's Medical Director, Dr. Aishatu Yushau Armiya'u. It further advocated the establishment of an inclusive management team capable of fostering cooperation among healthcare professionals.

The WRC appealed to labour unions and civil society organisations nationwide to support the planned mobilisation, arguing that sustained collective action is necessary to address what it described as persistent anti-worker practices at the Kaduna-based hospital.