The Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Health Care Professionals has maintained that it will continue its indefinite national strike despite the Federal Government’s implementation of the ‘no work, no pay’ policy.

The union made its position known in a memo signed by its National Secretary, Mr Martin Egbanubi, and addressed to presidents, general secretaries and state chairmen of all affiliate unions. The memo was issued on Tuesday in Abuja.

JOHESU explained that the decision to sustain the strike was based on resolutions reached by its national leadership during an emergency virtual meeting held on January 12 to assess recent developments surrounding the industrial action.

The union recalled that the Federal Government had recently directed the enforcement of the ‘no work, no pay’ policy, leading to the stoppage of salaries of JOHESU members through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.

According to the union, the ongoing strike action was triggered by its long-standing demand for the implementation of the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), alongside other unresolved welfare-related issues affecting its members.

JOHESU disclosed that its national leadership had reviewed reports submitted by its affiliate unions and various congresses across the country in order to evaluate the level of compliance and the overall status of the strike nationwide.

The union also reacted to a memo issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, which directed chief medical directors and managing directors of health institutions to enforce the ‘no work, no pay’ policy against striking workers.

JOHESU described the ‘no work, no pay’ policy as a familiar tactic often deployed by government to pressure workers, particularly in situations where there is a delay in resolving labour disputes.

It stressed that all procedures stipulated under the Trade Disputes Act were duly followed before embarking on the industrial action, insisting that the strike was lawful.

The union further stated that the action qualified as a lawful dispute of right and did not constitute a breach of industrial relations laws.

JOHESU urged its members across the country not to be discouraged by the government’s stance, calling for sustained solidarity, unity and commitment to the ongoing struggle.

The union added that it would intensify monitoring of the strike, engage in picketing and strengthen media engagement, while also exploring additional strategies aimed at achieving its demands.