he Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the Federal Government’s stoppage of salaries of Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU)e members.
The federal government imposed the “No Work, No Pay” policy following the union to embark on strike.
The TUC President, Mr. Festus Osifo, in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja described the action as provocative and a violation of industrial relations principles.
According to him, the circular by the Federal Ministry of Health ordering salary stoppage through Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System(IPPIS) was reckless and amounted to intimidation of health workers.
“This circular is not policy but intimidation, and Congress will not accept negotiating with workers while punishment is simultaneously unleashed on them.
“The stoppage of salaries of health workers who save lives daily is wicked, insensitive and unpatriotic, especially amid worsening economic hardship,” he added.
Osifo added that the policy undermined ongoing negotiations between government and organised labour.
He warned that dialogue could not coexist with punitive measures.
According to him, health workers have continued to sustain the healthcare system despite poor conditions and should not be punished for systemic failures.
