Health Workers To Commence Nationwide Strike April 7

Nigerian health workers are set to commence an indefinite nationwide strike starting from April 7.

The workers, who are protesting their unpaid promotions arrears since 2012 and the non-adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) scale, are said to be under the aegis of Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and Assembly of Health Care Professionals (AHPA).

According to reports, the development was disclosed by Chimele Ogbonna, vice-president of JOHESU, on Thursday in Jos, as he led national officials of the body on a sensitisation visit to Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH).

“This strike is against our wish, but the Federal Government has failed to honour series of agreements with the workers from 2009 to 2017,” he said.

“If the agreements with JOHESU in 2009, 2014 and 2017 are not honoured, we will embark on an indefinite nationwide strike.

“The strike will be total and affect all health institutions from federal, state and local governments.”

The vice president further said that the body is giving the Federal Government 30 working days ultimatum which commenced on March 5 and will end on April 7, after which they would go on strike.

Ogbonna said the health workers had explored all avenues for an amicable settlement of the issues and were left with no other option.