TUC Backs JOHESU Strike, Rejects Federal Government’s ‘No Work, No Pay’ Policy

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has thrown its weight behind the ongoing industrial action by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), criticizing the Federal Government for attempting to intimidate protesting health workers amid economic hardships. JOHESU, an affiliate of the TUC, directed its members to continue the strike that began on November 15, 2025, despite a government directive enforcing a “no work, no pay” policy.

The decision was announced following an emergency virtual meeting of JOHESU’s national leadership on Monday, January 12, after a 72-hour extension of the strike had elapsed. In response, the TUC condemned the government’s move, describing it as an attempt to undermine ongoing negotiations and intimidate workers without regard for the prevailing economic realities.

In a statement released on Wednesday and jointly signed by TUC President Festus Osifo and Secretary General N.A. Toro, the congress rejected the circular issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare instructing the stoppage of JOHESU members’ salaries through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), effective January 2026. The union described the directive as “unacceptable” and a violation of established industrial relations principles.

According to the TUC, the circular represents “a gross abuse of power” and a deliberate attempt to sabotage negotiations between the government and health sector unions. The congress also warned that withholding salaries from health workers—who continue to save lives daily—would exacerbate their economic challenges amid rising inflation and fuel price hikes.

The statement added, “You cannot negotiate with workers on one hand and unleash punishment with the other. This circular is not policy; it is intimidation, and Congress will not accept it.” It further described the use of IPPIS to penalize striking workers as “wicked, insensitive, provocative, and profoundly unpatriotic.”

TUC demanded the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the circular, restoration of all affected salaries, and a resumption of negotiations within seven days. The union warned that failure to comply would compel it to mobilize workers across all sectors for collective action.

The TUC’s intervention underscores growing tensions between the Federal Government and health sector unions as both sides grapple with the economic and operational challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare system.