JOHESU Suspends Seven-Day Warning Strike, Sets Six-Week Deadline for Government Action

Health workers, represented by the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Healthcare Professionals Association (AHPA), have announced the suspension of their seven-day warning strike. This decision, made in line with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and in the interest of the public, will take effect at midnight on October 31.

The announcement was issued on Thursday in Abuja, in a statement signed by Mr. Martin Egbanubi, the national secretary of JOHESU, and Mr. Kabiru Minjibir, the union’s national chairman.

JOHESU initially launched the seven-day strike on October 25 to emphasize its demands to the federal government. An emergency meeting of the Union’s Expanded National Executive Council (NEC) led to the decision to halt the strike. This council includes members of affiliate unions, JOHESU leadership at various levels, and leaders from professional associations within JOHESU.

Following a conciliation meeting on October 29 at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the NEC reviewed the situation and the MoU signed between the Federal Government and JOHESU teams. “The NEC, after extensive deliberations, resolved to suspend the seven-day warning strike effective from midnight, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in the spirit of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and in the public interest,” the communiqué stated.

The union granted the Federal Government six weeks to fulfill its obligations as outlined in the MoU. JOHESU has stated that it will convene an extended NEC meeting after this six-week period to assess progress and decide on further action. If unsatisfied with the government’s response, JOHESU warned that an indefinite strike might be the next course of action.

JOHESU’s demands include the immediate implementation of the CONHESS adjustment, payment of the 25% arrears from the CONHESS Review, and the nine-month outstanding wages for Regulatory Agency staff. The unions also seek the restoration of funding to the Environmental Health Regulatory Council, restructuring of Federal Health Institution Boards and Governing Councils, and steps to raise the retirement age of healthcare professionals.