The Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU) has given the Federal Government a 15-day ultimatum to address its unresolved welfare issues, failing which its members will commence industrial action, Okay.ng reports.
In a memo dated October 9, 2024, addressed to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, JOHESU highlighted several pending issues and threatened to resume its suspended strike on October 25 if their demands are not met.
The issues include the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure, implementation of a consultant cadre for pharmacists, review of retirement age, payment of arrears, tax waiver on healthcare workers’ allowances, and other related matters.
JOHESU emphasized its commitment to a peaceful resolution but expressed disappointment in the government’s non-response to their members’ plight. They emphasized that the 15-day ultimatum was a result of the government’s failure to address their concerns despite their patience and patriotism.
If the government does not meet their demands after the 15-day ultimatum, JOHESU members in Federal Health Institutions will embark on a seven-day warning strike starting from midnight on October 25, 2024. If the issues remain unresolved, an indefinite strike action may follow.
The union urged the government to take their ultimatum seriously and address the welfare issues to avoid disruptions in the healthcare sector.