Health Workers Defy ‘No Work, No Pay’, Strike Persists
By STELLA JOHNSON OGBOVOVEH
Health Workers Defy ‘No Work, No Pay’ Policy, Strike Continues
JOHESU Maintains Industrial Action
THE Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has confirmed that its nationwide strike will continue, rejecting the federal government’s “no work, no pay” directive issued earlier this month.
In a memo circulated following an emergency virtual meeting of the union’s national leadership on Monday, 12 January, National Secretary Martin Egbanubi said the majority of JOHESU’s affiliate unions voted to sustain the ongoing industrial action. The memo emphasized that attempts to intimidate health workers into submission would not succeed.
Government Orders Salary Withholding
The directive by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare was issued on 8 January, mandating that all striking JOHESU members—and other staff participating in the strike—be denied salaries with effect from January 2026. The circular, signed by the Director of Hospital Services, Disu Adejoke, on behalf of Coordinating Minister Muhammad Pate, also instructed federal health institutions to maintain critical services, including emergency care, labour wards, and intensive care units, through locum staff where necessary.
Legal Justification for Strike
JOHESU, however, maintains that its action is fully compliant with labour laws. While Section 43(1)(a) of the Trade Disputes Act allows for wage withholding during strikes, the union argued that this only applies to strikes declared without following due process.
“JOHESU explored all internal machinery procedures and complied with the provisions of Section 41 of the Trade Disputes Act before deciding to embark on this strike, which is a dispute of right,” the union stated.
Sustaining the Strike
The union has called on members to remain resolute and intensify picketing and monitoring activities across the country. National and zonal leaders will now participate directly in oversight efforts, while media campaigns will be intensified to raise public awareness of their demand for the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
JOHESU also directed daily reporting of strike activities, including challenges encountered, through official union platforms, commending members for their resilience since the strike began on 15 November 2025.
