JOHESU Strike: NMA slams NLC, TUC ultimatum

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has criticised the 14-day ultimatum issued by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) over the ongoing strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).

The labour unions had directed the Federal Government to implement the 2021 Technical Committee report on the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), warning of a nationwide strike if the demand was ignored.

Addressing journalists in Gusau on Monday, NMA National Publicity Secretary, Dr Mannir Bature, described the ultimatum as unnecessary and potentially disruptive.

“We urge the TUC and NLC to exercise caution, restraint, and responsibility in their public communications, especially on sensitive salary structure issues, so as not to misinform workers or the general public,” he said.

Bature also dismissed claims that the Federal Government upgraded the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) in 2014, describing the assertion as misleading.

“We describe the claim as misleading and capable of fuelling industrial tension in the health sector,” he said.

According to him, no upgrade occurred. “What occurred was a correction of long-standing errors and distortions in the application of the CONMESS framework,” he explained, adding that portraying the correction as preferential treatment was inaccurate.

Bature warned that such narratives could spark avoidable inter-professional discord, stressing the need for unity in tackling challenges facing the health sector.

He urged the Federal Government to remain committed to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) process, describing it as the proper channel for resolving salary and welfare issues.

“What the health sector requires is comprehensive engagement, good-faith negotiations, respect for existing agreements, and adherence to clearly defined professional roles and responsibilities,” he added.

The NMA reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue, transparency and inter-professional harmony in the interest of healthcare workers and the public.