JOHESU Declares Seven-Day Warning Strike Over Unmet Demands
In a move set to impact healthcare services nationwide, the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and Assembly of Health Care Professionals have declared a seven-day warning strike, effective from midnight on Friday, October 25, 2024. The union, representing a significant portion of Nigeria’s health workforce, issued the strike notice following protracted negotiations with the Federal Government over unmet demands concerning salary structures, allowances, and retirement benefits for health workers.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, JOHESU’s National Chairman, Kabiru Minijibir, outlined the union’s grievances and specific demands. These include:
Immediate Implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure: JOHESU demands prompt enforcement of the agreed-upon health salary structure, seeking parity in pay scales across the health sector.
Payment of 25% Arrears Review for June-December 2023: The union is pressing for a 25% salary increase for its members, covering arrears dating back to June 2023.
Upward Review of Retirement Age: JOHESU is advocating for an increase in the retirement age of healthcare workers, which they believe would alleviate the strain on the workforce and retain experienced professionals.
Tax Waivers on Health Workers’ Allowances: To ease financial burdens, the union is requesting a tax exemption on health allowances, similar to concessions granted to other essential service sectors.
Payment of COVID-19 Inducement Hazard Allowance: The union calls for the immediate disbursement of the COVID-19 hazard allowance promised to healthcare workers who risked their lives during the pandemic.
Other demands include a general improvement in working conditions, increased investment in healthcare infrastructure, and commitment to further training and professional development for health personnel.
JOHESU’s decision to embark on this warning strike comes after the expiration of a 15-day notice issued to the Federal Government. The union had mobilized its members in recent weeks, urging nationwide compliance with the strike directive. JOHESU leaders have emphasized that this warning strike serves as a cautionary measure; should the government fail to address their grievances within the seven-day period, the union could escalate its actions.
This strike could disrupt healthcare services across Nigeria, as JOHESU represents workers from various health sectors, including nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, and other healthcare professionals who are crucial to daily hospital operations. The union has urged the government to act swiftly, warning that prolonged inaction will exacerbate challenges within the healthcare system, affecting millions of Nigerians who rely on public health facilities.
The Federal Government has yet to formally respond to JOHESU’s demands or the impending industrial action, leaving the future of Nigeria’s healthcare sector uncertain as the union continues to press for improved conditions for its members.
