The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Allied Healthcare Professionals Association (AHPA) have issued a strong warning of an impending indefinite strike if the Federal Government fails to implement their agreed demands within the stipulated timeline of the budget cycle.
The unions expressed their frustrations in a 13-point communiqué signed by Chairman Ado Kabiru and Secretary Martins Egbanubi, emphasizing the need for urgent action to resolve lingering issues, including the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), which has persisted for over a decade.
Following a meeting on December 20, 2024, with representatives of the Federal Ministries of Labour and Employment and Health and Social Welfare, JOHESU resolved to grant the government a brief window to implement its commitments, warning that failure to do so would disrupt industrial harmony.
Key Demands and Concerns
The communiqué highlighted the following key issues:
- Adjustment of CONHESS: JOHESU urged the Federal Government to implement the long-overdue adjustment of CONHESS, stressing this as a critical step toward ensuring industrial peace.
- Consultant Pharmacist Cadre Compliance: The unions lamented a meager 15% compliance rate among federal health institutions and demanded sanctions against non-compliant Chief Medical Directors after March 31, 2025.
- Retirement Age Review: A call was made for an upward review of the retirement age from 60 to 65 years for health workers and 70 years for consultants, urging the Federal Executive Council to expedite action.
- Unpaid Salaries and Allowances: JOHESU commended progress in clearing salary arrears for its members but demanded immediate payment of the remaining arrears and COVID-19 inducement/hazard allowances for omitted health workers.
- Governance and Oversight: The unions called for the inauguration of governing councils for regulatory agencies and reconstitution of the Boards of Management for the 73 Federal Health Institutions to enhance accountability and professionalism.
Government’s Response
While the Federal Government has issued circulars to support the establishment of the Consultant Pharmacist Cadre and paid nine out of eleven months of outstanding salaries, JOHESU emphasized that further delays in fulfilling its demands would lead to industrial action. The unions have set a December 31, 2024, deadline for payment of arrears provided for in the 2024 appropriation act.
Next Steps
JOHESU urged its members to remain calm while awaiting further directives and proposed the next conciliation meeting with the Federal Government team for the first week of February 2025.
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