Members of the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Health Care Professionals (JOHESU) have initiated a seven-day warning strike starting from midnight on Friday.
This action follows what the union describes as the Federal Government’s failure to address key welfare concerns.
The decision to strike was announced by JOHESU’s National President, Kabiru Minjibir, during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, shortly after the union’s national executive council meeting.
Minjibir stated that despite numerous assurances from the government during discussions with various ministries and agencies, there had been no concrete progress.
Minjibir emphasized that the strike might have been avoided if the government had responded to the union’s 15-day notice, which was issued earlier this month.
He highlighted the core demands, including the enforcement of the consolidated health salary structure and a 25 percent review of arrears from June to December 2023.
Additionally, the union is seeking an increase in the retirement age for health workers, tax exemptions on allowances, and the prompt disbursement of COVID-19 hazard allowances.
He said: “In compliance with the Provisions of Section 41 of the Trade Disputes Act Cap. T8 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, members of JOHESU affiliate unions from Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI), and Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) will begin a seven-day strike action from midnight on 25th October 2024 in Federal Health Institutions.”
He urged the public to be patient with any disruptions caused by the strike: “The general public should bear with us all inconveniences the withdrawal of services of health workers under the umbrella of JOHESU might cause during this period.”
Minjibir called for public support, emphasizing the goal of improving healthcare: “We urge the consumers of health care and well-meaning Nigerians to empathise with us and also give solidarity to this struggle which is aimed at making healthcare delivery effective, accessible and affordable in the country.”
He further expressed the union’s frustration over the government’s inaction: “JOHESU has always exhibited maturity, selflessness and patriotism even in the face of extreme provocations and government’s long delay in meeting our demands and we think that our maturity and patriotism have been taken for granted.”
Minjibir affirmed JOHESU’s dedication to resolving the issues through dialogue and warned against any punitive measures against those participating in the strike, which he termed a “dispute of right.”
