JOHESU suspends warning strike, gives FG six weeks to meet demands

The Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Health Care Professionals (JOHESU) has announced the suspension of its nationwide warning strike and directed its members to return to work today, November 1.

The union, which embarked on a seven-day strike to address ongoing welfare issues, reached this decision following an emergency meeting of the expanded National Executive Council (NEC).

JOHESU’s primary demands from the federal government include the immediate implementation of the consolidated health salary structure, a 25 percent review of arrears for the period from June to December 2023, an upward review of the retirement age for health workers, tax waivers on allowances, and the immediate disbursement of COVID-19 hazard allowances.

In a communiqué released Thursday, October 31, signed by National Chair Kabiru Minjibir and National Secretary Martin Egbanubi, JOHESU confirmed the suspension of the strike effective from midnight on October 31, 2024. The NEC emphasized that the decision was made “in the spirit of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and in general public interest.”

The communiqué further stated that a six-week deadline has been given to the federal government to fulfill its obligations under the MoU. The NEC plans to reconvene after this period to review progress, with the association warning that it may escalate to an “indefinite strike action” if dissatisfied with the government’s commitment to the MoU.