Despite pressure from the Federal Government, health workers under JOHESU say they are not backing down anytime soon.
The Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Health Care Professionals (JOHESU) has insisted it will continue its indefinite nationwide strike, even as the Federal Government moves to enforce a “no work, no pay” policy.
This position was made clear in a memo signed by the union’s National Secretary, Mr. Martin Egbanubi, and sent to presidents, general secretaries, and state chairmen of all affiliate unions on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to the union, the decision followed resolutions reached at an emergency virtual meeting held on January 12, where JOHESU’s national leadership reviewed the latest developments surrounding the strike.
JOHESU recalled that the Federal Government recently ordered the implementation of the “no work, no pay” policy, directing the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to stop the salaries of striking members.
The union explained that the ongoing strike is rooted in its long-standing demands, including the implementation of the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and other unresolved welfare issues affecting health workers.
As part of its review, JOHESU said it examined reports from its affiliates and state congresses to assess how the strike is holding up across the country.
The union also reacted strongly to a memo from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, which instructed chief medical directors and managing directors of health institutions to enforce the policy.
Describing the “no work, no pay” rule as a familiar pressure tactic, JOHESU said governments often resort to it when labour disputes drag on without meaningful resolution.
JOHESU maintained that it followed all procedures laid out in the Trade Disputes Act before embarking on the strike, insisting that the action is a lawful industrial dispute and not a violation of labour laws.
The union urged its members to remain focused and undeterred, calling for continued unity, solidarity, and commitment to the struggle.
Going forward, JOHESU said it would step up monitoring, picketing, and media engagement, while also exploring additional strategies to push its demands through.
For now, the message from health workers is clear: the strike continues.
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