Nigerian Health workers temporarily suspends nationwide strike, sets for next line of actions

Segun Showunmi in Ibadan

The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has suspended its nationwide seven day warning strike which commenced last Monday accusing the federal government of bias and discrimination.

Penpushing reports that the suspension which appears to be temporary was made known in a statement with reference number HQ/JOHESU/ADM/VOL/086 dated September 20 signed by the National Chairman, Biobelentoye Josiah.

The Chairman explained that, the call off was on compassionate ground because of Nigerians, stressing that this was considered inspite of the non-challance of the Federal Government, but added that, in due course the union will make its next line of action known, after the National Executive Council(NEC) met.

‘By this notice ,all health workers under the five unions that make up of Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and assembly of Healthcare Professional Association(AHPA) shall return to work on Monday,21st September,2020 across all Federal Health Institution in the country’, the statement reads.

‘However, since the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Health has continued to exhibit high level of bias and discrimination by refusing to address the demands of our members as presented by JOHESU within seven days of the warning strike,as was done to the other bodies in the health sector, the next line of action will be decided in due course by expanded National Executive Council’

Penpushing further reports that, the union alleged the Federal Government of intimidating and blackmailing its members, with all forms of instrument and faceless organizations, but declared that it will continue to use legitimate means to defend the rights of the union

‘’It is pertinent to also inform members of the press and general public that rather than call JOHESU for dialogue to resolve the trade dispute, the Federal Government has resolved to intimidation and blackmail of JOHESU leaders, using all forms of instrument and faceless organisations’

‘JOHESU will continue to use all legitimate means to defend the rights and demands for the welfare of its members in the health sector. I wish to thank all the leaders at the strata and members for their commitment, selflessness, cooperation and resilience during the 7-days warning strike’, Josiah wrote