JUST-IN: Health Workers Declare 7-day Warning Strike

The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and Assembly of Health Care Professionals have announced a seven-day warning strike, set to begin at midnight on Friday, October 25, 2024.

The decision followed the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum earlier issued to the Federal Government over pending demands by the health workers

Addressing journalists in Abuja, JOHESU’s national chairman, Kabiru Minjibir, outlined the union’s key demands, which included the immediate implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), the payment of a 25% arrears review for the period of June to December 2023, and an upward revision of the retirement age for healthcare workers.

Other demands included a tax waiver on healthcare workers’ allowances and the immediate payment of COVID-19 inducement hazard allowances.

“We are left with no other option but to embark on this strike after waiting for the government to address our grievances,” Minjibir said. He emphasised that the strike was a warning action, aimed at pushing the government to meet their long-standing demands.

JOHESU also called on its members across the country to comply with the directive, urging all healthcare workers under its umbrella to participate in the industrial action.

The warning strike could potentially disrupt healthcare services nationwide, particularly in public health institutions, unless the Federal Government moves swiftly to address the union’s concerns.

The latest strike by JOHESU came after a series of negotiations with the Federal Government, many of which have failed to yield concrete outcomes. The union has been advocating for improved working conditions for healthcare professionals, especially in light of their contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

JOHESU leadership has indicated that it remained open to dialogue but stressed that the government must act urgently to prevent a full-blown strike after the warning period.