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Joint Health Sector Union Announces Indefinite Strike as Nigerian Government Fails to Meet Demands

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Justice Nwafor
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The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has declared that it will initiate an indefinite strike commencing at midnight on Thursday, May 25, 2023. The union has taken this step due to the Nigerian government's failure to meet their demands. This decision comes just one day after JOHESU organized a rally at the National Assembly (NASS) to present their case before the legislators.

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In a letter dated May 9, 2023, JOHESU's leadership issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, citing alleged inconsistencies in the ongoing negotiations regarding the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure for health workers on their platforms.

JOHESU's Demands and Concerns

As the umbrella body of health workers' unions and associations, JOHESU highlighted several key demands that have remained unresolved since 2014. The organization emphasized the need for the federal government to consolidate the health salary structure, as agreed upon in the settlement of September 2017.

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One of JOHESU's primary demands is the payment of a peculiar allowance to health workers under the JOHESU/AHP umbrella. They also urged the immediate and unconditional implementation of the Consultant Cadre Circular for pharmacists in all federal health institutions. Additionally, the union called for the payment of all withheld salaries of its members at the Federal Medical Center in Owerri, Jos University Teaching Hospital, and Lagos University Teaching Hospital, including their withheld April and May 2018 salaries.

JOHESU also requested the speedy adjustment of the retirement age from 60 to 65 years for health workers and emphasized the exclusion of certain health workers from the payment of the new hazard allowance. They also demanded the payment of the outstanding balance of the COVID-19 allowance.

Government's Inconsistent Approach and JOHESU's Ultimatum

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JOHESU expressed disappointment with the government's tendencies to deviate from the agreed terms and rules of engagement, especially regarding non-discrimination in determining the wages and benefit packages of health workers in Nigeria. The union believes that the government's inconsistent approach undermines the progress made in negotiations.

The ultimatum issued by JOHESU on May 9, 2023, emphasized the importance of resolving these issues within 15 days. However, with the expiration of the ultimatum and the government's failure to meet their demands, JOHESU has been left with no choice but to proceed with an indefinite strike.

JOHESU's decision to strike will have significant implications for the healthcare sector, potentially affecting the delivery of essential medical services across the country. Patients, as well as health workers who are not part of the union, may experience disruptions in their healthcare access and services.

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