Public healthcare workers under the Joint Health Sector Union, JOHESU, have issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding that unresolved issues be addressed or face the prospect of another industrial action.
The ultimatum was detailed in a memo signed by JOHESU ‘s national chairman and secretary, highlighting the government’s failure to meet the union’s demands since their strike was suspended in June 2023, following promises of intervention from President Bola Tinubu.
JOHESU had previously gone on strike from May 19 to June 6, 2023, a two-week disruption that severely impacted healthcare services in public hospitals. The strike was halted after assurances from the government to address the union’s concerns. Key demands in the memo include the payment of COVID-19 hazard allowances, a tax waiver on healthcare workers’ allowances, and the immediate suspension of plans to create a regulatory agency for national health facilities.
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Other significant demands include adjusting the Consolidated Health Salary Structure in line with the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure implemented in 2014, establishing a consultant cadre for pharmacists in federal institutions, raising the retirement age for health workers from 60 to 65 years (and 70 for consultants), and paying JOHESU members in professional regulatory councils.
The memo stated that JOHESU ’s Expanded National Executive Council, during a hybrid meeting on October 2, unanimously agreed to issue the ultimatum. JOHESU warned that if their demands are not met by midnight on October 25, members would embark on a seven-day strike in Federal Health Institutions. If the government fails to address the issues after the warning strike, the union is prepared to launch an indefinite strike.
JOHESU expressed frustration at the government’s continued delays and lack of response, noting that despite the union’s patience and patriotism, their goodwill has been ignored. The memo emphasized that this ultimatum was a last resort, driven by the Federal Government’s persistent failure to meet its commitments.
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