The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) staff have issued a 72-hour strike notice to the federal government, citing alleged anti-worker practices. This move marks the latest chapter in a long-standing struggle between NAFDAC workers and the government.
This is not the first time NAFDAC workers have taken industrial action. In 2017, they embarked on an indefinite strike demanding better welfare packages [1]. The strike, which lasted for several weeks, highlighted the agency's challenges in providing adequate working conditions, training, and compensation for its staff.
In 2021, NAFDAC workers began a 7-day warning strike to press home their demands, which included:
1. Payment of promotion arrears
2. Upward review of job-specific allowance
3. Training and capacity development
4. Delayed financial claims by staff
5. Improved working environment
6. Severance allowances
7. Staff buses
8. Discriminatory payment of COVID-19 palliatives.
The current strike notice appears to be related to unresolved issues from previous agreements. Despite previous strikes and negotiations, NAFDAC workers continue to face challenges in their working conditions, compensation, and overall well-being.
The strike notice cites alleged anti-worker practices by the federal government. While specific details on the current demands or the status of negotiations are scarce, sources suggest that the issues stem from:
1. Lack of implementation of previous agreements
2. Inadequate funding and resources
3. Poor working conditions
4. Inadequate staffing and workload
The potential strike poses significant concerns for public health and safety:
1. Disruption of essential services: NAFDAC's regulatory role ensures compliance with food and drug safety standards.
2. Delayed approvals and clearances: The strike may hinder the agency's ability to process permits and licenses.
3. Impact on healthcare delivery: NAFDAC's oversight of medical products and devices is critical to healthcare services.
The NAFDAC staff's 72-hour strike notice is a symptom of deeper issues plaguing the agency. To prevent further disruptions and ensure public health and safety, the federal government and NAFDAC management must prioritize workers' welfare
and address the underlying concerns.
Powered by Froala Editor