‘We’re Tired Of Strike,’ Hospital Staff Beg JOHESU

Health workers have lamented the continued strike engaged by the Joint Health Sector Union, JOHESU.

There seems to be no end to the thirty-six-day strike, as negotiations between JOHESU and the federal government has been deadlocked.

Advertisement

The striking workers are asking for parity in terms of salary with medical doctors, but the government through the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole said the demand is neither practicable nor acceptable, pleading that instead, salaries and wages of the health workers would be adjusted.

THE WHISTLER, however, gathered that some health workers are weary of the strike, calling on JOHESU to order stay of action.

A hospital staff who pleaded anonymity said, “I am tired of this strike. It’s not been easy staying at home these few weeks. I plead on JOHESU to do something about this issue.

“The National Industrial Court have said we should come back, but JOHESU has not said anything.”

Advertisement

Recall that there were reports that the Industrial Court ordered the striking workers to return to their duty post within 24 hours.

However, JOHESU in a statement by its National Secretary, Florence Ekpebor, said it was unaware of any such order.

“However, we want to inform the general public that if it is true that there is court order to stop the strike, we are not aware neither has JOHESU been served with any court processes or order to stop the on-going nationwide strike,” she said.

Similarly, another health worker from a top hospital in Abuja who spoke on the condition of anonymity lamented that she was extremely tired of the strike.

According to her, health workers were not paid for the month of April – the month the strike began.

Advertisement

When asked if the salary arrears will still be paid to the workers, she said “no, I learnt we won’t be paid again. The strike is just exhausting.

“See how deserted hospitals are. JOHESU needs to do something about this situation and quickly!”

Leave a comment

Advertisement