* We’re addressing the issues, says govt
Doctors under the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, Ogun State, have embarked on an indefinite strike over the non-payment of appropriate remuneration with entry level of CONMESS 3, step 3, hazard allowances as they battle the novel COVID-19 in the State.
The letter jointly signed by the union’s President, Dr. Popoola Mutiu, and the General Secretary, Dr. Osundara Tope, said the association resolved to embark on this strike while holding talks with the government over their demands, which is legitimate, fair and just as the medical personnel battle against COVID-19.
Mutiu said: “We demand appropriate remuneration for all Residents in OOUTH with entry level of CONMESS 3, step 3, hazard allowance of 50% of Consolidated Basic Salary for all doctors in OOUTH, implementation of New Minimum Wage for all Doctors in OOUTH which must reflect equity, justice and fairness, life insurance for all doctors in OOUTH, continued provision of Adequate PPE for doctors in OOUTH.
In a response, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Mr. Olatokunbo Talabi, promised that the government will look into their plight.
Talabi said after a thorough deliberation with the representative of the association, government is willing to put a smile on the faces of the doctors.
“We are presently looking into resolving the issue and we promised that before the end of the month, something tangible will be done,” he said.
President of the Association, Mutiu said the association had expected Governor Dapo Abiodun to give the report of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) meeting held on 24th June, 2020 on issues that bother on our agitations. We continued our weekend strike hoping that the government will listen to our plea. However, our prayers were seen as a disturbing child’s cry.
“Since it appears our agitations are not worthy before Ogun State government, which invariably begat complete insouciance to our concerns, the House has therefore decided to embark on indefinite strike starting from 1st July, 2020,” he said.
– Media Report