The National Industrial Court, Abuja, has ordered striking health workers across the country to return to work within 24 hours. The Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) about a month ago, called out its members to embark on an industrial action, following the federal government’s alleged refusal to meet up with the agreements signed with them last year.
They were later joined by their counterparts at the state and local government levels. But calling the health workers to order in a judgement, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, asked the workers to return to work. His ruling was consequent upon the submissions made by Mr Okere Nnamdi, in an ex-parte motion filed by Incorporated Trustees of Kingdom Human Rights Foundation International, a Non-Governmental Organisation.
Joined as respondents in the suit are the President and Vice President of JOHESU, and National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission. In the motion, the group prayed the court to order the workers to resume work and go back to negotiation table. Adejumo, who is also the President of the court, ordered the Minister of Health, Minister of Labour and Employment, among others, to immediately set up a committee to address issues raised by labour. The court further ordered that the parties should arrive at acceptable and amicable solutions in the interest of Nigerians, who are at the receiving end of the job boycott.
While ordering JOHESU President and his Vice to attend the negotiations, the judge said the negotiations should take into consideration the provisions of the National Salaries, Income and Wages Act. The matter was adjourned till June 4 for hearing of motion on notice and originating summons.
