The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has issued a stern seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the ‘no work, no pay’ order impacting Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) members. This critical development signals a potential nationwide labour resistance if the government fails to comply with the union’s demands. The TUC, in a strongly worded statement, labelled the directive and the alleged salary stoppages via the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) as “reckless, authoritarian and confrontational.” The union leaders emphasized that such actions are unacceptable, especially when negotiations are supposedly underway. The circular, originating from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is viewed by the TUC as a direct declaration of hostility against Nigerian workers, who are already operating under challenging conditions. The enforcement of this policy while discussions are ongoing is seen as a significant abuse of power and a violation of fundamental industrial relations principles. The TUC articulated that it is fundamentally unfair to negotiate with workers on one hand while simultaneously imposing punitive measures. This tactic is perceived not as policy implementation, but as an act of intimidation designed to silence legitimate worker grievances. The labour center further condemned the withholding of salaries for striking health workers, describing it as “wicked, insensitive and provocative.” This action comes at a particularly difficult time for many Nigerians, with rising inflation, increased fuel prices, and widespread economic hardship exacerbating the situation for ordinary citizens. The TUC has issued a clear warning against the “weaponisation” of IPPIS, asserting that organized labour will not stand idly by while workers are starved into submission. They are demanding the unconditional withdrawal of the circular, the immediate restoration of all withheld salaries, and a commitment to resume genuine negotiations within the seven-day timeframe. Failure to meet these demands will result in the mobilization of workers from all sectors for decisive collective action. All affiliates of the Congress, along with state and FCT councils, have been placed on red alert and are ready to act on further directives. This ultimatum follows a previous government directive on January 8th, ordering the enforcement of the ‘no work, no pay’ policy against JOHESU members and other striking health workers. The circular instructed hospital managements to apply this policy from January 2026, despite the ongoing industrial action that began on November 15, 2025. The ministry also directed institutions to maintain critical services, including emergency care, through lawful means, such as engaging locum staff. However, JOHESU has remained steadfast in its strike, insisting that its core demands must be addressed before any return to work. What is the ‘no work, no pay’ policy? The ‘no work, no pay’ policy is a labor principle that allows employers to withhold wages from employees who are on strike or refuse to work. It is often invoked during industrial disputes as a measure to pressure striking workers to return to their duties. The TUC argues that its application in this context, especially while negotiations are ongoing, is a punitive and unfair tactic. The union’s stance highlights the ongoing tension between labor rights and government policies in Nigeria, particularly within the public sector. The outcome of this ultimatum will likely have significant implications for labor relations and the welfare of healthcare workers in the country. The TUC’s call for collective action underscores the solidarity among various labor unions in Nigeria, demonstrating a united front against what they perceive as oppressive government policies. The situation is being closely watched by workers across different sectors, as it sets a precedent for how labor disputes will be handled in the future. The government’s response to this ultimatum will be crucial in determining whether a peaceful resolution can be achieved or if the nation will face widespread industrial unrest.
