Despite the order of the National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja that the striking members of the Joint Health Sector Union should immediately resume duties at the various health institutions across Nigeria, the Federal Government said it has put in place a reconciliatory process towards putting an end to the strike.
Reacting to the judgement, the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, said government had already put in place a reconciliatory process towards amicable settlement of the trade dispute with JOHESU.
Adewole said the FG’s side waited for six hours on May 17, 2018 for JOHESU’s representatives to continue with the jointly agreed meeting, which it boycotted.
Shortly after the adjournment of the boycotted meeting, an official communication, titled: “Collapse of negotiation between the federal government and joint health sector unions,” was issued by JOHESU, informing that negotiation with has broken down.
The Minister however maintained that the FG had not reneged on its commitment to promote peace and harmony in the health sector, but will engage in continuous dialogue on how to improve the sector.
Adewole, who said the FG is open to negotiations on the demands of the Union, asked that members of JOHESU should consider the plight of innocent Nigerians in need of health care and return to work while negotiation continues.
Speaking further, Adewole directed the CMDs and MD’s of tertiary hospitals to commence the process of documenting staff as they return to work and update the Ministry according.
