Just In: Health workers declare seven-day warning strike
Health workers under the Joint Health Sectors Union (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (AHPA) have announced a seven-day warning strike in response to the federal government’s failure to address critical welfare issues.
The strike, set to commence at midnight on October 25, 2024, will be followed by an indefinite strike if the government does not meet the workers’ demands.
Previously, the unions issued a 15-day ultimatum to the federal government on October 10, 2024, urging action to avoid a complete shutdown of hospital operations nationwide.
Addressing reporters after an expanded National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja, JOHESU National President Comrade Kabiru Ado Minjibir expressed disappointment over the lack of positive responses from the federal government, despite assurances made during meetings with relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Key issues raised include the immediate implementation of the CONHESS adjustment, payment of 25% CONHESS review arrears (June – December 2023), payment of nine months’ salaries (January – September 2024) for staff of Regulatory Agencies, and the restoration of funding to the Environmental Health Regulatory Council. Additional demands involve reconstituting Boards and Governing Councils of Federal Health Institutions and initiating a review of the retirement age for health workers.
Other contentious points include tax waivers on healthcare workers’ allowances, payment of COVID-19 hazard allowances for omitted staff, the suspension of plans for the National Health Facility Regulatory Agency, and the withdrawal of the unlawful Drug Revolving Fund Standard Operating Procedures.
“In compliance with Section 41 of the Trade Disputes Act, members of JOHESU affiliate unions from various health organisations will commence the seven-day strike from midnight today,” Minjibir stated. “If our demands are not met by the end of this period, we will have no choice but to escalate to an indefinite strike.”
He noted, “This action could have been avoided had the federal government responded within the 15-day notice period, using available options to resolve this dispute.”
JOHESU reaffirmed its commitment to social dialogue for resolving issues affecting its members and kept communication channels open during the warning strike.
The union urged the public to bear with them for any inconveniences caused by the withdrawal of health services and called for solidarity in their struggle for improved healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
Minjibir concluded by urging members to adhere to the strike directive, warning against any victimisation as a result of their rightful actions.