Labour Unions Issue 14-Day Ultimatum Over Delayed Health Salary Implementation
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have issued a stern 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Ministry of Health. This decisive action comes in response to the prolonged delay in implementing the report of the Technical Committee on the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), which was submitted back in 2021.
Joint Statement and Demands
In a joint statement released on Saturday in Abuja, the unions articulated their frustration and demands. The statement was signed by Mr Nuhu Toro, the TUC Secretary General, and Mr Benson Upah, the NLC Acting General Secretary. They emphasized that the report, chaired by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, was designed to address critical salary distortions within the health sector.
The unions are demanding the immediate and full implementation of this report, highlighting that health workers have endured over five years of waiting. They stated, “Health workers have waited long enough for over five years. The Ministry must act without further delay.”
Accusations of Injustice and Discrimination
The unions have described the continued delay as a deliberate act of injustice against health professionals. They pointed out that this non-implementation reflects bad faith and institutional disrespect towards organised labour. In their statement, they recalled that similar adjustments for the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) were implemented promptly, without any delays.
According to the unions, this selective application of salary adjustments exposes the government’s insincerity and discriminatory practices. They argued that such actions undermine the morale and welfare of health workers who play a vital role in sustaining the nation’s healthcare system.
Failed Engagements and Warnings
The unions highlighted that they have engaged in repeated discussions and interventions with the Ministry of Health, but these efforts have yielded no positive response. They warned that failure to act within the 14-day period will trigger a nationwide industrial action.
“We have exercised restraint for years, but our patience has run out. The Ministry must act now,” they declared. They added, “Should the government fail to implement the CONHESS report within the stipulated period, organised labour will mobilise all Nigerian workers for coordinated industrial action.”
Potential Industrial Action
The unions outlined that the industrial action could include:
- Mass protests across the country
- Picketing of health institutions
- Withdrawal of services by health workers
They stressed that health workers’ labour is essential for the nation and cannot continue to be ignored. The unions made it clear that bureaucratic excuses and empty promises will no longer be tolerated.
Call to Action and Mobilisation
In a final warning, the unions stated, “TUC and NLC therefore place all affiliates, including state councils and the FCT, on red alert for mobilisation.” They called on the government to avert avoidable industrial action by complying with the ultimatum within the given timeframe.
This ultimatum underscores the growing tension between labour unions and the government over salary issues in the health sector, with potential implications for healthcare services nationwide if not resolved promptly.
