- The union said a 15-day ultimatum is necessitated by the non-response of the Federal Government to the plight of its members, despite our benevolence.
The Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals has given the Federal Government a 15-day ultimatum to address pending welfare issues.
If the government fails to meet their demands, the unions will resume their suspended strike on October 25.
This decision was communicated in a memo dated October 9, 2024, addressed to Prof. Muhammad Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.
The memo, signed by JOHESU’s National Chairman, Kabiru Minjibir, and National Secretary, Martin Egbanubi, highlighted unresolved issues.
These issues led to a strike from May 19 to June 6, 2023, which was suspended after President Bola Tinubu intervened.
JOHESU’s demands include adjusting the Consolidated Health Salary Structure, implementing a consultant cadre for pharmacists, and reviewing retirement ages.
Other demands include payment of arrears, tax waivers on healthcare workers’ allowances, and immediate payment of COVID-19 hazard allowances.
The unions also seek the immediate implementation of CONHESS adjustments, payment of salaries to regulatory agency staff, and restoration of funding to the Environmental Health Regulatory Council.
Additional demands include reconstituting Boards/Governing Councils of Federal Health Institutions and implementing approved allowances for Doctor of Pharmacy holders.
“Consequently, JOHESU gives the Federal Government a 15-day ultimatum, starting October 10, 2024, and will embark on a seven-day strike from October 25.”
If demands aren’t met after seven days, JOHESU will initiate an indefinite strike.
“JOHESU has always shown maturity and patriotism despite government delays, but our benevolence has been taken for granted.”
“This ultimatum results from the government’s non-response to our members’ plight,” the memo concluded.