The Joint Health Workers Unions (JOHESU), an umbrella body for four health sector unions in Nigeria, is demanding an upward adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
The union is threatening to resume a strike action suspended in June 2023 if the federal government fails to take positive action.
JOHESU, which comprises the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals and Associated Institutions, and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and Associated Institutions, represents health workers in various fields including pharmacy and medical laboratory science.
According to JOHESU National Secretary Martins Egbanubi, the union has been following up with the relevant government ministries and agencies, including the Presidency, since suspending the strike last year. However, they have not received any concrete feedback.
“This lack of progress is causing restlessness among our members, especially considering the ongoing discussions about the minimum wage,” Egbanubi said. “We believe the conversation about CONHESS should take precedence.”
The union has written formal requests to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the Ministry of Finance. Egbanubi warned that a renewed strike is a possibility if their demands are not met.
“The initial strike was suspended as a gesture of goodwill to the new administration led by President Bola Tinubu,” he explained. “However, we have given them ample time to address the issue. We will not hesitate to resume the strike if necessary.”
Dr. Obinna Ogbonna, a former JOHESU National President, emphasized the growing frustration among union members. He believes there is an expectation for the new government to take decisive action.
“Members are eager to see the leadership demonstrate its commitment to their welfare,” Ogbonna said. “The delay in implementing the adjusted CONHESS is causing significant distress.”
Ogbonna pointed out that the Presidential Committee on Salaries (PCS), led by the Ministers of Finance and Labour alongside the Director-General of the Budget Office, has been established to address the issue. However, the committee has yet to finalize the implementation process.
“The Salary and Wages Commission has already completed the calculations for the CONHESS adjustment,” Ogbonna explained. “The PCS needs to take up the matter and expedite the implementation. We urge them to act swiftly to avoid an industrial crisis in the health sector.”
JOHESU is referencing a promise made by President Tinubu during their meeting last year. “The President pledged to take the necessary steps to address our concerns,” Ogbonna said. “We hold him to his word and hope for a resolution within the coming days or weeks.”
