Lagos — STAFF of the federal government owned Uselu Psychiatric Hospital, Uselu-Benin will today commence an industrial action following the non-payment of the 50 percent CONTISS arrears, which according to them has long been paid to workers in other federal health institutions in the country.

The industrial action, according to a statement in Benin yesterday by Mr. Ernest Bagudu, Secretary, Federal Civil Service Union, became necessary since the management of the hospital led by Dr. (Mrs.) Olabisi Ihenyen failed to act within the seven days ultimatum earlier given by the Union.

Although, the workers said that they were paid 50 percent of the 100 percent CONTISS and HATISS arrears, they accused the management of shortchanging them by paying an infinitesimal amount of money, less than the actual amount they were expected to have been paid.

"All workers were paid the arrears in other federal health institutions, but the Uselu Psychiatric Hospital did not pay workers on HATISS (1 - 6). The management of the hospital refused to pay the balance, claiming that the federal government has not released the money".

"The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Uselu Psychiatric Hospital branch had given seven days ultimatum to proceed an industrial action, should the management of the hospital fails to pay the 50 percent CONTISS arrears".

"It was gathered that the first part of the 50 percent which the management craftily claimed to have paid in November 2007, was short of the amount expected and that no staff on HATISS (01 - 06) was paid the said arrears. This action to the Association is an arbitrary use of power and a serious misconduct as contained in Public Service Rule 030401".

The Association said that the Medical Director/CEO of the hospital, Dr. Ihenyen was economical with the truth when he claimed that the federal government has not released money to the hospital for the payment of the 50 percent balanced arrears, saying that Uselu Psychiatric Hospital cannot be an exemption since other federal health institutions has since paid their workers.

When contacted, spokesman for the Uselu Psychiatric Hospital, Mr. Asaba Uhunmwangho said that the CMD was not on seat and was out of town. He said that he cannot comment on the issue until directed to do so.