NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL COURT IN ABUJA ORDERS HEALTH WORKERS TO END CURRENT NATIONWIDE STRIKE AND RETURN TO WORK

The National Industrial Court, Abuja, on Thursday, May 17, ordered striking members of Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), to suspend its on-going strike, and resume duties across the nation within 24 hours.

Justice Babatunde Adejumo, gave the order after listening to the submissions of Okere Nnamdi, in an ex-parte motion filed by a non-governmental organisation.

The NGO, Incorporated Trustees of Kingdom Human Rights Foundation International, in the motion prayed the court to order the workers to resume work and go back to negotiation table, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

Justice Adejumo, who is also the president of NICN, also ordered the minister of health, minister of labour and employment, among others, to immediately set up a committee to address issues raised by labour.

The judge ordered that the parties should arrive at an acceptable and amicable solutions in the interest of Nigerians who are bearing the brunt of the strike action.

The judge also ordered that the President and Vice President of JOHESU, should attend such negotiations and that the negotiations should take into consideration the provisions of the National Salaries, Income and Wages Act.

Joined as respondents in the suit are the President and Vice President of JOHESU, and National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission. 

Recall that JOHESU commenced strike on April 17, 2018 to demand for upward adjustment of CONHESS salary scale, and employment of additional health professionals.

Other demands are implementation of court judgments and upward review of retirement age from 60 to 65 years. The matter was adjourned until June 4 for hearing of motion on notice and originating summons.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Bayelsa state chapter, have accused the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) whose members are on strike in the country, of disrupting quality health delivery in the state.

News reports have it that the chairman of NMA in Bayelsa state, Dr Keme Pondei, said the demands by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) were selfish.

The state chairman of NMA also said headship of hospitals was against the extant laws setting up hospitals, noting that it would amount to anarchy if everybody working in hospitals becomes entitled to be the head of the hospitals.