National Chairman of the National Association of Nurses and Midwives - Federal Health Institutions Sector (NANNM), Morakinyo-Olajide Rilwan has reiterated that the ongoing strike by the union remains until their demands are negotiated.
She revealed this while speaking on Thursday after a meeting by the union with the Labour Minister on Tuesday following the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued the government by the union.
According to her, the nurses' return to work is dependent on the government who have asked for a change in decision.
She said: “That is what the government will definitely ask for — that we should suspend the strike so they can look at our demands.
“We are not comfortable with that. We have to make sure that parts of the demand are attended to before we can suspend the strike at all.
For her, although it is not the style of the body to take industrial action, the insincerity of the government towards their plight necessitated the move.
“It’s not actually in the nurses’ attitude to embark on a strike, and we have been patient enough because we are compassionate."
"Nurses are empathetic with their patients, we love our patients and don’t want anything to happen to them. But we waited for a long time for all these demands to be met. So, this strike happens to be the last option we have to get the government’s attention.
She added: “Based on the insincerity and insensitivity on the part of the government, I believe some parts of these demands must be met before we can suspend the strike. We have to see serious commitment from the government before taking that step."
Recall that on Wednesday, Minister of Labour Muhammadu Dingyadi stressed the need for dialogue between the union and the government in a bid to end the strike.
He also revealed that there will be a meeting at the Ministry of Health on Friday as the government continues work towards a resolution.
The nurses under the NANNM are calling for better remuneration, improved workplace safety, and a halt to what they describe as “massive brain drain.
