Health workers under the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Healthcare Professionals Association (AHPA) announced the suspension of their seven-day warning strike, effective from midnight on October 31.
The decision, made in the interest of the public and in light of a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Government, was confirmed in a communiqué signed by JOHESU’s National Chairman, Mr. Kabiru Minjibir, and National Secretary, Mr. Martin Egbanubi.
JOHESU began the strike on October 25 to push for improved conditions and fulfillment of agreements with the government. The suspension followed an emergency meeting of JOHESU's Expanded National Executive Council (NEC), which includes leaders of affiliate unions and professional associations.
The communiqué noted that the NEC-in-session carefully evaluated the MoU signed during a conciliation meeting with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment on October 29. The union has given the Federal Government a six-week timeline to fulfill obligations outlined in the agreement, warning that an indefinite strike will follow if progress is unsatisfactory.
Key union demands include implementing the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) adjustment, settling 25 percent arrears of the CONHESS review, paying nine months’ outstanding salaries to regulatory agency staff, and restoring funding for the Environmental Health Regulatory Council. They also seek the reconstitution of Boards for Federal Health Institutions and an upward review of health workers’ retirement age.
The union pledged to reconvene its Expanded NEC meeting at the end of the six-week period to assess government compliance with the MoU.
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