The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has thrown its weight behind the ongoing industrial action by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), rejecting the Federal Government’s directive enforcing the “no work, no pay” policy on striking health workers.
JOHESU, an affiliate of the TUC, had directed its members nationwide to continue with the strike action that commenced on November 15, 2025, following the Federal Government’s failure to meet its demands. The decision was reached after an emergency virtual meeting of the union’s national leadership, held after the expiration of a 72-hour extension earlier granted to allow for negotiations.
Reacting, the TUC criticised the Federal Government for what it described as attempts to intimidate health workers rather than address the core issues that led to the strike. The congress noted that applying the “no work, no pay” policy under the current economic conditions was insensitive, especially as workers continue to grapple with rising inflation, a high cost of living and deteriorating working conditions in the health sector.
The TUC stressed that the grievances raised by JOHESU border on welfare, salary adjustments and improved funding of public health institutions, warning that failure to resolve these issues could further weaken an already overstretched healthcare system. It urged the Federal Government to return to the negotiating table and engage constructively with the unions in the interest of patients and the general public.
The congress also cautioned that continued hardline measures could escalate industrial unrest across other sectors, calling on authorities to prioritise dialogue over sanctions to bring the dispute to an amicable resolution.
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