The Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Health Care Professionals has insisted on continuing its indefinite national strike despite the federal government’s ‘no work, no pay’ policy.

This was noted in a memo signed by the union’s national secretary, Martin Egbanubi, and addressed to presidents, general secretaries, and state chairmen of affiliate unions on Tuesday.

According to the union, the decision follows resolutions reached by its national leadership at an emergency virtual meeting held on January 12 to review developments surrounding the industrial action.

It recalled that the federal government recently directed the implementation of the ‘no work, no pay’ policy and the stoppage of JOHESU members’ salaries through the accountant-general of the federation’s office.

The strike, JOHESU said, stemmed from its long-standing demand for the implementation of the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure and other welfare-related issues.

The union stated that its national leadership reviewed reports from affiliates and congresses to assess the status of the strike nationwide. It also reacted to a memo from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare directing chief medical directors and managing directors to enforce the policy.

JOHESU described the ‘no work, no pay’ policy as a common tool used to pressure workers when the government delays the resolution of labour disputes. The union said it had complied with all procedures outlined in the Trade Disputes Act before embarking on the industrial action.

It said that the action qualified as a lawful dispute of right, and not a breach of industrial relations laws. JOHESU urged members not to be discouraged and called for sustained solidarity and commitment to the struggle.

The union said it would intensify monitoring, picketing, and media engagement while exploring strategies to achieve its demands.

(NAN)