Strike: Health workers give FG 15-day ultimatum over unresolved issues

Health workers, under the aegis of Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (AHPA), have issued a 15-days ultimatum to the federal government, directing members to start mobilising for a strike at the expiration of the notice on October 25, 2024.

The strike notice which begins from October 10, 2024, is contained in a communique released at the end of its emergency national executive Council meeting.

It was later communicated in a letter to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

Copies of the communique were also sent to the Federal Ministry of labour and Employment and related offices.

The document was signed by National Chairman, Mr. Kabiru Ado and National secretary, Mr. Martin Egbanubi.

What is JOHESU’s grouse?

JOHESU leadership lamented that various engagements with the federal government failed to yield desired results at national at sub-national levels since the suspension of JOHESU nationwide strike on June 5, 2023.

One of the major demands is implementation of the Technical Committee report on the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), which has been a subject of dispute since 2014.

JOHESU is demanding for the immediate payment of 25% CONHESS Review arrears from June to December 2023.

It also demanded immediate payment of 9 months’ salary, January to September 2024, to staff of regulatory agencies.

The union further sought the immediate restoration of funding to Environmental Health Regulatory Council.

Additionally, JOHESU is also demanding for the immediate reconstitution commencement and coverning councils.

Also in line with their demands is the Federal Health Institution and commencement of the process for upward review of retirement age of health workers.

The union asked government to effect the immediate payment of COVID 19 inducement hazard allowances to omitted health workers.

In the meantime, the health workers commended the federal government on the progress made so far on other issues in dispute.

They also sought pharmacist consultancy status and granting the earlier appeal by JOHESU.

The appeal included electricity bills waiver for tertiary health institutions as contained in President Bola Amed Tinubu’s recent directive on 50% waiver.

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