JOHESU Strike Update 2018: We Remain Resolute Despite Withheld Salary – NANNM President
The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), has condemned strongly, the enforcement of the ‘no work no pay’ policy by the federal government on the striking health workers.
President of NANNM, Comrade Abdrafiu Adeniji, who made this known while briefing journalists at the end of the 2018 nurses and midwives week, held in Abuja, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) struggle.
He said that the April salary of JOHESU members, in which NANNM is part of, is being withheld, even though they had worked dutifully until early hours of 18th April, 2018.
“According to all regulations, the ‘no work no pay’ is only applicable when an illegal strike is embarked on. An illegal strike means a strike embarked upon without notice to government. The situation we have at hand is for the federal government to look into what it signed and implement the agreement,” he explained.
Recall that the federal government, in a letter written and signed by the Head, Department of Hospital Services, Dr. J.O Amedu for the Minister of Health, had directed the enforcement of the ‘no work no pay’ policy, in line with provision of Section 43 of the Trade Dispute Act CAP 18, Law of the Federation of Nigeria(LFN), 2004.
Adeniji also accused the Federal Ministry of Health of employing measures targeted at frustrating and humiliating the union members rather than simply implementing agreement entered into with JOHESU and obey court order. He lamented that while other countries are counting their gains and achievements towards attaining universal health coverage, the Nigeria government was doing the opposite.
He therefore urged the federal government to accede to the demand of health workers without any further delay.
By: PATIENCE IVIE IHEJIRIKA
Leadetship News
