The union called on its members across the country to comply with the directive by participating in the industrial action.
By Ife Osemedua
365Daily – Following the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government over pending demands by health workers, the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and Assembly of Health Care Professionals have announced a seven-day warning strike beginning at midnight on Friday, October 25, 2024.
The warning strike would lead to a disruption of healthcare services in public health institutions nationwide, thereby putting the lives of majority of Nigerians at risk.
JOHESU’s national chairman, Kabiru Minjibir, made the disclosure while addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, October 25, 2024.
He outlined the union’s key demands to include the immediate implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), the payment of a 25% arrears review for the period of June to December 2023, and an upward revision of the retirement age for healthcare workers.
Other demands included a tax waiver on healthcare workers’ allowances and the immediate payment of COVID-19 inducement hazard allowances.
Minibir said they were left with no other option but to embark on strike after waiting for the government to address their grievances,.
He also stressed that the strike was a warning action targeted at pushing the government to meet their long-standing demands.
The union called on its members across the country to comply with the directive by participating in the industrial action.
JOHESU leadership said it remains open to dialogue despite several failed negotiations, stressing that the government must act urgently to prevent a full-blown strike after the 7-day warning period.