TheCable

The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) is optimistic that President Bola Tinubu’s administration will meet its demands. 

Oladayo Olabampe, a leader of JOHESU in Oyo state, spoke in an interview with NAN on Monday.

JOHESU commenced an indefinite nationwide strike on May 24 to compel the government to pay hazard allowances of its members and meet the salary structure adjustment, among other demands.

But after a meeting with Tinubu on June 5, the union suspended the strike and gave the government a “21-day window opportunity” to address the issues presented.

Olabampe, who also is the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals in Oyo state, said JOHESU had reached an agreement with the federal government over its demands.

He said the union suspended its strike for 21 days to enable the government to work on the agreement, after which the union would review the situation and determine the next line of action.

“Meanwhile, we are seeing signs that they are serious about their promises. We are seeing progress,” he said.

However, Olabampe said the Oyo government had not properly handled issues relating to the demands of members of the union at the state level.

“Our demands are different. While we have had a meeting with the federal government, it depends on various states because the demands of one state differ from another,” he said.

“For example, Osun has implemented the new hazard allowance, but Oyo state has not. So, each state will look at their peculiarity and their demands, have they been met? That will determine when their strike will end.”

He said the state government did not initially take the union seriously at the hospital management board level.

“And because of that the strike continues. The board has called for a negotiation which will be held Tuesday, June 13.

“After the meeting, we will know if the union will suspend its strike at the state level or if it will continue.”