JOHESU Strike: TUC, NLC Issue 14-Day Ultimatum, Threaten Nationwide
By Erewunmi Peace
Action Over Health Workers’ Pay
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government over the ongoing strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), warning that failure to address the demands of health workers could lead to a nationwide industrial action.
The ultimatum follows the Federal Government’s continued delay in implementing the reviewed Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and other welfare demands affecting health workers across federal health institutions.
In a joint statement, the labour centres expressed concern over the prolonged strike, noting that the situation has severely affected healthcare delivery in public hospitals nationwide.
They accused the government of neglecting agreements reached with JOHESU and failing to show commitment to resolving the crisis.
According to the unions, the 14-day ultimatum is intended to give the government a final opportunity to fully implement agreed salary adjustments and address outstanding welfare issues.
They warned that if the demands are not met within the deadline, organised labour may mobilise workers for coordinated protests and a nationwide strike.
JOHESU, which represents health professionals such as nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, and other allied health workers, has been on strike over poor remuneration, non-implementation of agreements, and what it describes as persistent discrimination in the health sector.
The Federal Government has so far maintained a “no work, no pay” stance on the strike, while urging health workers to return to work as negotiations continue.
As of the time of filing this report, no official statement has been issued indicating that the government has met the unions’ demands, leaving the possibility of a nationwide strike looming.
