The Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Health Care Professionals (JOHESU) has announced the suspension of its nationwide warning strike and instructed members to return to work today, 1 November.
The union, which initiated a seven-day strike to address ongoing welfare issues, made this decision following an emergency meeting of the expanded National Executive Council (NEC).
JOHESU’s key demands from the federal government include the immediate implementation of the consolidated health salary structure, a 25 per cent review of arrears from June to December 2023, an increase in the retirement age for health workers, tax waivers on allowances, and the prompt disbursement of COVID-19 hazard allowances.
In a communiqué issued on Thursday, 31 October, and signed by National Chair Kabiru Minjibir and National Secretary Martin Egbanubi, JOHESU confirmed that the strike would be suspended effective from midnight on 31 October 2024. The NEC stated that the decision was made “in the spirit of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and in the interest of the general public.”
The communiqué also outlined a six-week deadline for the federal government to fulfil its obligations under the MoU. The NEC plans to reconvene after this period to review progress, warning that an “indefinite strike action” may be considered if the government fails to demonstrate commitment to the MoU.
