The Joint Health Sectors Union (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (AHPA) have declared a seven-day warning strike starting from October 25, 2024.
This decision follows ongoing issues with the federal government’s handling of critical demands, despite multiple meetings and assurances.
Key grievances include immediate implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) adjustment, payment of 25% CONHESS review arrears from June – December 2023, nine months of unpaid salaries for regulatory agency workers, and reinstating funding for the Environmental Health Regulatory Council.
JOHESU has also requested the reconstitution of boards for Federal Health Institutions and an upward review of the retirement age for healthcare workers.
Additionally, JOHESU is calling for tax waivers on healthcare workers’ allowances, prompt payment of COVID-19 inducement hazard allowances to those omitted, and withdrawal of the Drug Revolving Fund Standard Operating Procedures issued by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The union also opposes the establishment of a National Health Facility Regulatory Agency, demands allowances for Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) holders, and requires implementation of entry-point and call-duty allowances.
Affiliate members of JOHESU participating in the strike include the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI), and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU).
Minjibir stressed that if the government fails to act within the warning period, JOHESU will consider escalating to an indefinite strike.
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