The Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Health Care Professionals (JOHESU) has reaffirmed its decision to continue the indefinite national strike despite the “no work, no pay” policy imposed by the federal government.
The union’s position was communicated in a letter signed by national secretary Martin Egbanubi and distributed to the presidents, general secretaries, and regional presidents of affiliated unions.
According to the letter, this decision follows resolutions passed at an emergency meeting of the JOHESU national leadership on January 12, during which the evolving situation of the ongoing social movement was discussed.
JOHESU pointed out that the federal government recently ordered the freezing of strikers’ wages through the Federal Court of Auditors, in accordance with the “no work, no pay” policy.
The union stated that the strike was triggered by the government’s failure to address its long-standing demands, including the implementation of the Consolidated Adjusted Wage Structure for the Health Sector (CONHESS) and other social welfare issues.
The union added that reports from member unions and regional branches across the country were reviewed to assess compliance with the strike directives and their effectiveness.
JOHESU also criticized a directive from the Federal Department of Health and Human Services that required medical directors and general managers of health facilities to implement this directive, calling it an attempt to intimidate workers.
The union stated that the “no work, no pay” policy is frequently used to pressure workers when governments are slow to resolve labor disputes. It emphasized that it followed all procedures stipulated in the Labor Dispute Act before initiating the strike.
JOHESU maintained that this union action constituted a legitimate labor dispute and did not violate any labor laws.
The union called on its members nationwide to stand firm and demanded continued solidarity and commitment until its demands were met.
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