UCH JOHESU Suspends Strike

UCH JOHESU Suspends Strike

The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan has announced the suspension of its strike, which began on October 25.

On October 10, JOHESU issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address ongoing welfare issues or face industrial action. Following this, workers returned to their duties on Friday morning.

The seven-day nationwide warning strike aimed to advocate for several demands, including an adjustment to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure, similar to changes made for the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure since January 2, 2014, and the establishment of a consultant cadre for pharmacists in federal health institutions.

Additional demands included raising the retirement age from 60 to 65 years for health workers and 70 years for consultants, as well as settling outstanding salaries for JOHESU members within professional regulatory councils.

Mr. Oladayo Olabampe, Chairman of UCH JOHESU, stated that the strike was suspended following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between JOHESU’s national leadership and the Federal Government. The government committed to addressing the demands within six weeks from October 31.

Olabampe confirmed that the JOHESU National Executive Council decided to suspend the strike and that UCH members are complying with the order. He warned that if the demands are not met after the six-week period, an indefinite strike could follow.