By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has instructed its members across federal health institutions to commence an indefinite withdrawal of services following a new directive from the Federal Ministry of Health that enforces a “No Work, No Pay” policy.
Reports on Saturday indicated that the directive prompted the union’s latest decision, which affects workers in federal hospitals and other government-owned medical facilities nationwide.
In a statement circulated to members, a JOHESU leader, Comrade Abubakar Sani Aminu, said the policy was introduced without prior consultation with the union. He described the action as a unilateral step that violates workers’ rights and undermines the principles of collective bargaining.
According to the statement, Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of federal health institutions have received instructions to enforce the policy. JOHESU said the move represents an attempt to weaken the union while industrial action continues.
“This decision was made without prior consultation or dialogue with the union, showing a disregard for the collective voice of health workers,” Aminu said.
He cautioned members to remain calm and firm, noting that the policy was designed to weaken the unity of the union. He described the directive as “the final weapon” that the government intends to use to undermine JOHESU’s resolve.
Following the development, the union directed all members to vacate their duty posts with immediate effect. It ruled out the provision of skeleton services or any form of compromise.
“There should be no skeleton services, no attempt to help out, or compromise in any way,” the statement read. “Our collective action is the key to securing our rights.
”The leadership of the union said unity among members remains critical. It warned that allowing the policy to stand would create what it described as a dangerous precedent for future labour disputes in the health sector.
“This is the time for us to stand together, strong and united, until our demands are met,” Aminu said. He added that solidarity among members would shape the outcome of the ongoing dispute.
JOHESU restated its commitment to a campaign for fair treatment of health workers and urged members across the country to remain resolute while discussions with the federal government continue.
As of the time of filing this report, the Federal Ministry of Health had not released an official response to the union’s directive.
The possible effect of the strike on public health services remains uncertain. Past JOHESU actions have led to major disruptions in federal hospitals across the country.