The Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Health Care Professionals (JOHESU) has insisted that its ongoing indefinite national strike will continue, despite the Federal Government’s decision to enforce the “no work, no pay” policy against its members.
The union made its position known in a memo signed by its National Secretary, Martin Egbanubi, and addressed to the 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 JOHESU’s national leadership held on January 12, where the union reviewed recent developments surrounding the industrial action. The leadership also assessed reports from affiliate unions and state congresses across the country to determine the level of compliance with the strike nationwide.
JOHESU faulted the Federal Government’s directive to implement the “no work, no pay” policy, which includes the stoppage of salaries of striking workers through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation. The union also reacted to a memo from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare instructing chief medical directors and managing directors of federal health institutions to enforce the policy.
Describing the directive as a pressure tactic, JOHESU said the “no work, no pay” policy is often deployed when government delays the resolution of labour disputes rather than addressing the underlying issues.
READ ALSO: Mbah Defends South East Shift to APC, Endorses Tinubu
The union maintained that the strike was justified, stressing that it stemmed from long-standing demands, particularly the implementation of the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), alongside other unresolved welfare concerns affecting its members.
JOHESU further stated that it had complied fully with all procedures required under the Trade Disputes Act before embarking on the industrial action. It argued that the strike qualified as a lawful dispute of right and not a breach of existing industrial relations laws.
Reaffirming its stance, the union urged its members nationwide to remain resolute and continue to comply with the strike directive until its demands are adequately addressed by the government.
