Strike: JOHESU Kicks Against FG’s ‘No Work, No Pay’ Order

The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has faulted the Federal Government’s directive enforcing the “No Work, No Pay” policy on its members currently on an indefinite nationwide strike.

The union described the order as unlawful and contrary to the provisions of the Trade Disputes Act.

Reacting to the directive, the National Secretary of JOHESU, Comrade Martin Egbanubi, told our correspondent that the government lacked the legal basis to implement the punitive measure, insisting that the union followed due process before withdrawing its services.

Egbanubi explained that JOHESU embarked on the strike only after the government failed to address their demands despite several engagements and formal notifications.

“We gave the government sufficient notice before starting the strike. As prescribed by law, the Trade Disputes Act, Section 41, we issued a 15-day notice before withdrawing our services, and we fully satisfied that provision.

“You cannot apply ‘No Work, No Pay’ when you have not consummated the matter or made an effort to apprehend it. It is contrary to the law, and that is clear.

“It is only when all procedures have been exhausted, and parties agree that there is no further basis for negotiation, that such a policy can apply.

“What we need is dialogue, not threats. Applying “No Work, No Pay” goes against the principle of fair negotiation. Government should follow the rules, meet our demands and resolve the issues,” he stressed.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in a circular dated January 8, 2026, had directed all Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) and Medical Directors (MDs) of federal hospitals to enforce the no-work, no-pay rule on JOHESU members beginning January 2026.

The circular, signed by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr Abisola Adegoke, on behalf of the Coordinating Minister, also ordered facility heads to employ “all legal means,” including the use of locum staff, to prevent service disruptions in critical units such as accident and emergency, labour ward, and intensive care units.

The ministry instructed hospitals to strengthen security to protect lives and property and ensure that non-striking workers are not harassed or obstructed, adding that CMDs and MDs are to send regular reports to the ministry on how the strike is affecting service delivery.

JOHESU, which represents non-physician health workers including laboratory scientists, pharmacists and other allied health professionals, began its nationwide strike on November 14, 2025.

The union is protesting the federal government’s failure to implement the long-awaited adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and other welfare-related demands.