A nationwide rally in Abuja and cross the states the country to protest an alleged highhandedness of the Federal Government against health workers in the country will commence today. This is according to a formal statement by Joint Health Sectors Union (JOHESU).

 

Signed by its National Chairman Biobelemoye Josiah, and made available to journalists over the weekend, the statement stated that the rally was in collaboration with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), to drive home its demands which it said has received nothing but neglect, and governments fragrant disregard for court order.

 

Comrade Josiah also said the decision follows a careful consideration of its 15 days ultimatum to the Federal government which terminated on January 31st, to address the issues under contention or risk another industrial action by health workers nationwide until their demands were met.

 

It is on records that JOHESU had written to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige 15 days ago, notifying government of the violation of court order by the ministry health and its intention to embark on industrial actions against it.

 

“The arbitration panel unit of the national industrial court had asked both government and the workers to maintain status quo ante, but government has gone ahead to violate the court by activating ‘no work no pay policy

 

“Workers have not undertake any protest or stayed out of work, but government has gone ahead to victimise workers involved in protests and strike action by JOHESU.

 

” JOHESU in collaboration with the NLC/TUC will stage a national rally on Abuja to draw the attention of the Federal and state ministries of health to the unending tyranny of Federal Ministry of Health and state ministries of health directed against health workers in all health facilities at Federal, State and LGA levels on Monday February 4, 2019.

 

“Zonal and state rallies including the generality of JOHESU members to continue on Tuesday. This must be held in conjunction with all stakeholders as appropriate. Members are enjoined to await further directives,” he said.

 

JOHESU is seeking the full implementation of the consolidated health salary structure, CONHESS, which was to create equity in the sector among healthcare professionals, unjustified withholding of salaries of JOHESU members for April and May 2018, among others.