The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has slammed the federal government over its decision to halt the salaries of striking Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) members under the “no work, no pay” rule.
On January 9, the federal ministry of health circulated a directive to all chief medical directors (CMDs) and medical directors (MDs) in federal hospitals instructing them to enforce the policy against JOHESU members currently on strike.
According to NAN, TUC president Festus Osifo expressed strong dissatisfaction in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, describing the measure as provocative and contrary to recognised labour engagement standards.
Osifo criticised the circular authorising salary suspension through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), arguing that the step was reckless and designed to intimidate health sector workers.
“This circular is not policy but intimidation, and Congress will not accept negotiating with workers while punishment is simultaneously unleashed on them,” the statement reads.
“The stoppage of salaries of health workers who save lives daily is wicked, insensitive and unpatriotic, especially amid worsening economic hardship.”
The labour leader said the government’s approach undermines ongoing talks with organised labour, insisting that constructive dialogue cannot be mixed with punitive action.
He stressed that health workers have kept the system afloat despite harsh conditions and should not suffer consequences for failures caused by the government itself.
Osifo noted that suspending wages during a period of rising inflation and fuel prices is particularly callous and risks worsening the economic strain on families.
He further said the deployment of IPPIS to halt salaries amounted to misuse of state power, warning that the labour movement would push back against such tactics.
The TUC president stated that Nigerian workers have historically survived threats and deprivation, saying intimidation “will not lead to submission.”
Osifo demanded that the ministry immediately rescind the circular and reinstate all withheld salaries.
He also urged the ministry of health to return to the negotiating table within seven days to prevent wider conflict, warning that failure to do so would force labour organisations to mobilise workers nationwide for strong collective action.
Osifo concluded that any breakdown in services would be attributable to the ministry’s preference for confrontation over dialogue, adding that TUC state branches, affiliates and the FCT council had already been put on alert.