The Federal Government has unveiled a new framework to address the ongoing industrial action by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), reassuring health workers that the long-awaited review of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) remains under active consideration.
This move follows a joint statement by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), which accused the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of deliberately failing to implement the 2021 report of the Technical Committee on CONHESS adjustment.
In a press statement issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Alaba Balogun, the ministry rejected allegations of deliberate neglect of the committee’s report or discrimination against any group of health workers, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to industrial peace in the health sector.
The ministry disclosed that several conciliatory meetings have been held with JOHESU since the commencement of the strike, both at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, even as the union sought redress at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.
On the “No Work, No Pay” policy, the ministry explained that if JOHESU calls off the strike in good faith, the issue would be addressed through administrative processes. It also stated its willingness to sustain engagement with the NLC and TUC as negotiations continue.
The Federal Government reiterated its resolve to reach a fair, inclusive, and sustainable agreement through dialogue, mutual respect, and equitable treatment of all professional cadres within the health sector.