Health Workers suspend seven-day warning strike, after MoU with FG

The Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Healthcare Professionals Association (AHPA) have announced the suspension of their seven-day warning strike, effective from midnight on October 31.

This decision was made in the spirit of the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and in the public interest.

The announcement was made by JOHESU National Chairman, Mr. Kabiru Minjibir, in a communiqué co-signed by Mr. Martin Egbanubi, the National Secretary of the union, following an emergency meeting of the union’s Expanded National Executive Council (NEC).

The NEC meeting included presidents, general secretaries, and council members from JOHESU’s affiliate unions and professional associations.

JOHESU initially began the strike on October 25 to press the Federal Government on specific demands.

However, the decision to suspend it came after a thorough review of the MoU reached during a conciliation meeting with government representatives on October 29 at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

“NEC-in-session after extensive deliberations resolved that the suspension of the seven-day warning strike effective from midnight, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in the spirit of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and in general public interest.

“Timeline of six weeks given to the Federal Government to meet all her obligations contained in the MoU.

“Expanded NEC meeting shall be convened upon the expiration of the six (6) weeks’ deadlines to review development and take appropriate decisions.

“Indefinite strike action shall be the next option if the Expanded NEC of JOHESU is not satisfied with the Federal Government responses to the implementation of her obligations contained in the MoU,” it said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the demands of the unions include immediate implementation of CONHESS adjustment, payment of 25 per cent CONHESS Review arrears, and payment of nine months’ salary to staff of Regulatory Agencies.

Others were the restoration of funding to the Environmental Health Regulatory Council, reconstitution of Boards/Governing Councils of Federal Health Institutions, and commencement of the process to upwardly review the retirement age of health workers, among others.