A meeting between the federal government and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), representing the striking health workers, has concluded without reaching an agreement.
According to Obinna Ogbonna, the National Vice Chairman of JOHESU, the meeting took place at the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) shortly after the union declared its strike on Thursday but ended in a deadlock.
The strike was initiated by the health workers in response to the alleged failure of the federal government to address their demands. In a letter dated 9 May, the union had issued a 15-day ultimatum to the government, highlighting “inconsistencies in the ongoing negotiations to adjust the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for health workers.”
Ogbonna explained that the meeting failed to reach an agreement, leading to the strike declaration after the ultimatum expired. He noted that the majority of attendees at the meeting were from FMOH, resulting in its adjournment.
Upon arriving at the meeting, Ogbonna discovered that, except for representatives from the National Salaries Incomes And Wages Commission, all other attendees were from FMOH. The Minister, who had already taken a firm stance against providing the adjusted CONHESS, presided over the meeting. Ogbonna emphasized that the Minister’s involvement created a conflict of interest and violated labor laws, as an interested party should not preside over a trade dispute.
Ogbonna announced that the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment would now oversee the matter and act as the mediator between the health workers and FMOH. The adjourned meeting is scheduled for next week, although no specific date has been set due to the prevailing national mood and ongoing political processes.
The health workers’ demands include the immediate approval and implementation of the technical committee report on CONHESS adjustment by the government, prompt payment of omitted and shortfall amounts in COVID-19 hazard/inducement allowances for affected health workers in federal health institutions, unconditional implementation of the pharmacist consultant cadre, and payment of all withheld salaries of Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Jos University Teaching Hospital, and the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, as well as outstanding April and May 2018 salaries of members at FMC, Azare.
Additionally, the union seeks the expeditious implementation of the increased retirement age from 60 to 65 years for health professionals and 70 years for consultants.
JOHESU represents health workers, excluding medical doctors and dentists, encompassing various unions and associations such as the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals, Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes, and Associated Institutions, and the Assembly of Health Care Professional Association (AHPA).
NAN
