By Maryjane Austine
TUC Backs JOHESU Strike, Faults FG Directive
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has thrown its weight behind the ongoing industrial action by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), rejecting the Federal Government’s enforcement of a “no work, no pay” policy against striking health workers.
JOHESU, an affiliate of the TUC, resolved to continue its strike, which began on November 15, 2025, following an emergency virtual meeting of its national leadership on Monday, January 12, after the expiration of a 72-hour extension granted to the government.
The decision came despite a directive by the Federal Government to enforce salary stoppages on workers participating in the strike.
Reacting to the development, the TUC criticised the government for what it described as an attempt to intimidate health workers without due regard for prevailing economic conditions. The congress rejected a circular issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare directing the implementation of the “no work, no pay” policy and the suspension of salaries of JOHESU members through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System from January 2026.
In a statement released on Wednesday and jointly signed by its President, Festus Osifo, and Secretary General, N.A. Toro, the TUC described the directive as unacceptable, noting that it undermined ongoing negotiations between the government and health sector unions.
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The congress said the ministry’s action violated established principles of industrial relations, accusing it of acting unilaterally while discussions were still in progress.
According to the TUC, stopping the salaries of JOHESU members would further deepen the hardship faced by health workers amid rising inflation, increased fuel prices and broader economic pressures.
The statement stressed that the congress “unequivocally rejects” the ministry’s directive, insisting that dialogue, rather than punitive measures, remains the appropriate path to resolving the dispute.
