Why we called off the strike - JOHESU

The recent strike embarked upon by Nigerian health workers was called off as a result of the federal government's agreement to abide by the judgment delivered by the Nigerian Industrial Court (NIC) on July 22, 2013, it also agreed to jettison its earlier decision to appeal the court judgment.

Furthermore, government representatives said it would also implement the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and other agreements it signed with the striking health workers.

Furthermore, a high powered 11 man Implementation Committee chaired by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation,Alhaji Bukar Goni Aji (OON) was constituted; members include the Chairman, JOHESU; Nigeria Labour Congress,Trade Union Congress,DG Budget Office, Chairman National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission among others as members.

The committee is expected to complete its assignment within 4 weeks.

All parties also agreed to send a delegation of the Hon. Minister of Labour, Head of Civil Service of the Federation and the Hon. Minister of Health is to meet His Excellency, Mr. President Goodluck Jonathan in the next two days to request him to correct the unlawful exclusion of JOHESU members in the Boards of all Teaching Hospitals within 21 days. 

"They are to invite JOHESU on Monday, 3rd September 2013 to brief us on the outcome of their visit to Mr. President. This will determine whether the court case filed by the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations against the Federal Ministry of Health over our unlawful exclusion will continue or not," JOHESU stated.

In a statement signed by Dr. G. C. Okara, National President, Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), the union directed its members to resume work immediately.

"Consequent upon the above development, we on your behalf consented to suspend the nation-wide strike. I hereby therefore direct that members should return to full services in all establishments immediately and ensure that normalcy is restored forthwith. Any acts of harassment or victimization from your Management because of participation in the strike should be brought to my notice without delay," Okara said. 

"Together and united we will always win, stand taller and liberated. The forces of neocolonialism, Fascism, Impunity and arbitrary rule in the health sector must never stand. I salute your courage and total compliance with our directive."