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The Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Health Care Professionals (JOHESU) has reaffirmed its decision to continue its indefinite nationwide strike, despite the Federal Government’s enforcement of the “no work, no pay” policy.
The union’s position was conveyed in a memo signed by its National Secretary, Martin Egbanubi, and addressed to presidents, general secretaries, and state chairmen of affiliate unions. The memo was issued on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to JOHESU, the decision followed resolutions reached at an emergency virtual meeting of its national leadership held on January 12, during which recent developments surrounding the industrial action were reviewed.
The union recalled that the Federal Government had directed the implementation of the “no work, no pay” policy and ordered the stoppage of salaries for JOHESU members through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.
JOHESU said the ongoing strike was prompted by the government’s failure to implement the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), alongside other outstanding welfare-related demands.
The union noted that its leadership reviewed reports from affiliate unions and state congresses to assess the level of compliance and the status of the strike across the country.
It also responded to a memo from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, which instructed chief medical directors and managing directors of health institutions to enforce the salary stoppage policy.
JOHESU described the “no work, no pay” directive as a familiar tactic often used to pressure workers when governments delay resolving labour disputes.
The union maintained that it followed all procedures required under the Trade Disputes Act before commencing the strike, insisting that the action constitutes a lawful dispute of rights rather than a violation of industrial relations laws.
JOHESU urged its members to remain resolute, calling for continued solidarity and commitment until their demands are met.
