JOHESU suspends warning strike, gives FG six weeks to meet demands

The Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Health Care Professionals (JOHESU) has suspended its nationwide warning strike and directed its members to resume work today.

The association began a seven-day strike over the federal government’s alleged failure to address welfare issues previously raised by the union.

The key demands include the immediate implementation of the consolidated health salary structure and a 25 percent review of arrears from June to December 2023.

The union is also asking for an upward review of the retirement age for health workers, tax waivers on allowances for healthcare workers, and the immediate payment of COVID-19 hazard allowances.

In a communique issued Thursday and signed by Kabiru Minjibir, national chair, and Martin Egbanubi, national secretary, the association announced the suspension of the strike effective midnight of October 31.

Minjibir said the decision was taken after a hybrid emergency meeting of the expanded national executive council (NEC).

According to the communique, a six-week deadline was given to the federal government to fulfil all Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) obligations with the union.

“NEC-in-session after extensive deliberations resolved that the suspension of the seven-day warning strike effective from midnight, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024 in the spirit of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and in general public interest,” the communique reads.

“Time line of six weeks given to the Federal Government to meet all her obligations contained in the MoU.

“Expanded NEC meeting shall be convened upon the expiration of the six (6) weeks’ deadlines to review development and take appropriate decision.”

The association added that “indefinite strike action” will be pursued if the expanded NEC of JOHESU is dissatisfied with the federal government’s implementation of MoU obligations.