The Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA) has embarked on an indefinite strike action for non-payment of coronavirus hazard allowance due to them.
The association announced it is beginning the industrial action today, Tuesday in a communique jointly signed by Roland Aigbovo, ARD-FCTA Chairman and Mustapha Ibrahim, association’s Secretary, after its 14-day ultimatum issued to the FCTA on August 14 elapsed.
According to the communique, part of the demands issued to the FCTA, prior to the ultimatum include the non-implementation of the variation of the 2018 promotion, the non-payment of the COVID-19 hazard and inducement allowances, among other issues.
Stating that the FCTA had displayed insensitivity to the demands, the doctors resolved, at its emergency meeting held on Monday, to embark on the indefinite strike until their demands are met.
“Due to the insensitivity displayed by the Office of the Permanent Secretary, FCT, and widespread agitations among our members in the various FCT hospitals and isolation/treatment centres, we regret to notify the administration and by extension the general public that the association would embark on an indefinite strike action with effect from 8am, 1st September, 2020, until the payment of the COVID-19 hazard and inducement allowance is received and the variation of the 2018 promotion exercise implemented,” the communiqué read.
“We regret any inconvenience this might cause the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the general public needing healthcare delivery during this period.
“We implore the FCT Administration to also look into the other myriads of problems raised in our earlier communication to the administration dated 14th August, 2020, with a view to resolving all pending issues so as to maintain industrial harmony.”
This is, however, coming amid the coronavirus pandemic which yesterday rose to 54,008 while total fatalities now at 1,013. Recovery toll also rose to 41,638.
