The Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Health Care Professionals (JOHESU) has insisted that its indefinite national strike will continue, despite the Federal Government’s directive to enforce the ‘no work, no pay’ policy against its members.
Naijaonpoint reports that the union stated this in a memo signed by its National Secretary, Martin Egbanubi, and addressed to presidents, general secretaries and state chairmen of its affiliate unions on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to the memo, the decision followed resolutions reached at an emergency virtual meeting of the union’s national leadership held on January 12, during which developments surrounding the industrial action were reviewed.
The leadership also examined reports submitted by affiliate unions and congresses across the country to assess the level of compliance with the strike nationwide.
It could be recalled that the Federal Government had recently directed the implementation of the ‘no work, no pay’ policy, including the stoppage of its members’ salaries through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.
JOHESU, however, has faulted the development and further reacted to a memo from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, which instructed chief medical directors and managing directors of federal health institutions to enforce the policy.
The union described the ‘no work, no pay’ policy as a common pressure tool often deployed when government delays the resolution of labour disputes.
JOHESU insisted that the ongoing strike was justified, noting that it arose from its long-standing demand for the implementation of the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), alongside other unresolved welfare-related issues affecting its members.
The union maintained that it had complied fully with all procedures stipulated under the Trade Disputes Act before embarking on the strike.
It added that the industrial action qualified as a lawful dispute of right, and not a violation of existing industrial relations laws.
JOHESU urged its members not to be discouraged by the government’s stance, calling for continued solidarity, unity and commitment to the struggle.
It said the national leadership would intensify monitoring, picketing and media engagement, while exploring other strategic options to ensure that its demands are met.
The union reaffirmed its resolve to sustain the strike until the Federal Government addresses the issues raised, stressing that the welfare of health workers remained central to the delivery of effective healthcare services in the country.