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The unions have cautioned that if their concerns are not addressed, they will resume their previously suspended strike.
In a memo sent to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, on October 9, the unions expressed frustration over the ongoing neglect of workers' welfare, despite numerous communications with authorities in recent months.
The memo was co-signed by JOHESU's National Chairman, Kabiru Minjibir, and National Secretary, Martin Egbanubi.
Last year, JOHESU initiated an indefinite strike, which was called off following discussions with President Bola Tinubu.
JOHESU National Vice President, Obinna Ogbonna, noted that the strike was suspended after significant progress was made during the talks with the president.
However, in their latest memo titled “Notice of 15 Days Ultimatum and Resumption of Suspended Strike Action,” the unions highlighted the ongoing welfare issues that remain unresolved.
The ultimatum will be in effect from October 10 to October 25, after which a 7-day warning strike will be initiated if the government does not respond to their demands.
The union emphasized that if the Federal Government does not fulfill their requests, JOHESU will have no choice but to initiate an indefinite strike.
JOHESU comprises registered trade unions within the health sector, including the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutions, and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI), as well as the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU).
Demands
In a memo received by our correspondent on Thursday, JOHESU and its affiliated union outlined several concerns impacting the welfare and efficiency of health workers.
JOHESU is calling for the immediate disbursement of overdue salaries to staff of regulatory agencies, which have not been paid for the past nine months.
The unions asserted that the failure to compensate regulatory health workers constitutes a blatant instance of unfair labor practices.
They characterized this situation as a breach of pertinent provisions of “Extant Labour Laws and International Labour Standards (ILO – Protection of Wages Convention, 95 of 1949),” which mandates timely payment of wages and salaries to employees.
Additionally, the unions are demanding the prompt reinstatement of funding for the Environmental Health Regulatory Council and the reconstitution of the boards and governing councils of federal health institutions.
Both unions have also urged that the process to increase the retirement age for health workers, through the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Federal Executive Council (FEC), be expedited.
The umbrella organizations have requested that the Nigerian government acknowledge the effects of the brain drain phenomenon on health institutions nationwide and consider raising the retirement age from 60 to 65 for health workers and to 70 years for consultants.
They are calling for the immediate halt of the proposed establishment and operations of the National Health Facility Regulatory Agency (NHFRA) as advocated by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
Additionally, they have requested the retraction of the unlawful Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The memo states, "JOHESU demands the complete implementation of the approved entry point, call duty, and other allowances for holders of the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) degree."
The unions assert that the government must also initiate the prompt payment of COVID-19 hazard inducement allowances to health workers who have been overlooked.
Current Strike Situation
This situation arises just days after two unions affiliated with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) commenced an indefinite strike following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum.
The Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), part of the Trade Union Congress of NAFDAC, along with the Medical and Health Workers Association, have raised concerns regarding employee welfare.
In its statement, SSASCGOC expressed dissatisfaction with the ongoing inaction from NAFDAC management, describing it as "insufferable," and underscored that the strike will continue until all demands are addressed.
Both unions are insisting on the payment of outstanding salary arrears from 2022 and the settlement of all pending burial expenses, life insurance claims, and repatriation allowances.
However, NAFDAC management has dismissed some of these issues, stating that it does not have control over the number of employees eligible for promotion.