Health Workers Begin Strike Action

Voice Air Media News Update

THE Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Health Care Professional Association have ordered their members to commence an indefinite strike.

The National Vice President of JOHESU, Dr. Obinna Ogbonna, disclosed this at a press briefing held in Abuja on Thursday.

“It becomes imperative to inform you that since the Federal Government is yet to meet these demands, our members have been directed by the JOHESU National Executive Council to proceed on an indefinite strike action upon expiration of the ultimatum by midnight of May 25, 2023,” he said.

The unions hinged their decisions on inconsistencies in negotiations for adjustment to the consolidated salary structure for health workers.

Demands by the unions include immediate “payment of all withheld salaries of our members in Federal Medical Center in Owerri, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos University Teaching Hospital and their withheld April and May 2018 Salaries; speedy adjustment of retirement age from 60 – 65 years and the exclusion of some health workers in the payment of new hazard allowance as well as payment of COVID-19 allowance balance”.

Obinna said at the press conference, “Consequent upon the nonchalant, biased, and lackadaisical attitude of the Federal Ministry of Health against JOHESU members and the resolution of the expanded National Executive Council meeting of the JOHESU held on Monday, May 8, 2023, our members in Federal Health Institutions nationwide are hereby directed to withdraw their services indefinitely commencing from 00:00 hour on Thursday, May 25, 2023.

“It becomes imperative to inform you that since the Federal Government is yet to meet these demands, our members have been directed by the JOHESU National Executive Council to proceed on an indefinite strike action upon expiration of the ultimatum by midnight of May 25, 2023.”