Nationwide Health Workers Strike Suspended After 84 Days Following Agreement with Government
The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has suspended its nationwide strike after 84 days, following an agreement with the Federal Government. According to a communiqué issued after an emergency National Executive Council meeting, the suspension is to allow for the implementation of the terms of settlement reached during a conciliation meeting at the Ministry of Labour.
The strike, which began on November 15, 2025, was called over the non-implementation of the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and other welfare issues. Key agreements include capturing the CONHESS adjustment in the 2026 budget, withdrawing the “no work, no pay” directive, ensuring payment of January salaries, and a guarantee of no victimization against striking members.
Key Points:
The suspension allows for the resumption of full health services, relieving patients and the public healthcare system.
It resolves a critical industrial dispute that had severely strained the national health infrastructure.
The agreement provides a structured pathway for addressing long-standing salary and welfare grievances.
The outcome reinforces the role of dialogue and negotiation in resolving public sector labour conflicts.
The duration of the strike highlights the significant time and cost often required to settle such disputes.
Attention now shifts to the government’s timely implementation of the agreements to prevent a relapse into industrial action.
Sources: Daily Trust, JOHESU Communiqué
