Health workers under the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) have firmly rejected the Federal Government’s “no work, no pay” policy as the union extends its nationwide strike.
JOHESU, which represents nurses, pharmacists, medical laboratory scientists, radiographers and other allied health professionals, described the policy as punitive and incapable of resolving the long-standing issues that triggered the industrial action.
The union said the strike followed months of failed negotiations, accusing the government of reneging on agreements, delaying payment of outstanding allowances and maintaining policies that marginalise non-doctor health workers.
JOHESU stressed that the action was taken as a last resort and insisted that threats or sanctions would not compel its members to return to work without concrete commitments from the authorities.
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The ongoing strike has disrupted services in public hospitals nationwide, with many facilities operating skeletal services and suspending routine and elective procedures.
Patients continue to bear the brunt, facing delayed care and increased costs as demand rises in private hospitals.
While the Federal Government maintains that the “no work, no pay” rule is a standard labour principle and says it remains open to dialogue, JOHESU argues that trust can only be rebuilt through sincere negotiations and implementation.