Health unions begin indefinite strike today
The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Health Care Professional Associations have declared an indefinite nationwide strike effective from today, November 15. The unions cited the federal government’s persistent failure to implement the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and resolve longstanding welfare and systemic issues affecting health workers as the reason […]
The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Health Care Professional Associations have declared an indefinite nationwide strike effective from today, November 15.
The unions cited the federal government’s persistent failure to implement the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and resolve longstanding welfare and systemic issues affecting health workers as the reason for the strike.
The decision was announced in a statement signed by the national chairman of JOHESU, Comrade Kabiru Ado Minjibir.
Weekend Trust reports that the industrial action by JOHESU-affiliated unions is coming amidst the ongoing strike action by doctors under the aegis of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), who had downed tools over unpaid hazard allowance arrears, poor working conditions and failure to implement agreed welfare reforms.
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The simultaneous strikes by both doctors and other health professionals are expected to cripple services in federal teaching hospitals, specialist centres and many state-owned hospitals in the days ahead.
JOHESU represents several key unions, including the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria, the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions, and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions.
The union had earlier issued an ultimatum to the federal government, threatening to embark on an indefinite strike actions if their demands were not met.
While JOHESU stressed that the delay in implementing the adjusted CONHESS remained the principal trigger, the unions said several other unresolved issues informed the decision to shut down services.