Doctors’ strike: FG directs CMDs, MDs to implement ‘no-work-no-pay’ policy

Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire has directed the Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) and the Medical Directors (MDs) of all the federal tertiary hospitals across the country to commence the implementation of “No Work, No Pay policy the striking resident doctors with effect from Monday 2nd August 2021 including other health workers that may embark on strike subsequently.

READ ALSO: Nigeria Government urges resident doctors to call off strike

The FG gave this directive in a letter titled ‘Re: Re: Law and Principles concerning the right to strike. Application of section 43(1) (A) of the Trade Dispute Act, Cap T8, Law of the Federation of Nigeria (LGN) 2004 (no work no pay).’

The letter dated August 26, 2021, was signed by the Director, Department of Hospital Services, Dr. Adebimpe Adebiyi.

The letter reads “The ministry is in receipt of the letter from the Ministry of Labour and Employment informing the ministry of the laws governing the ongoing strike by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors and the need to immediately apply the provisions of Section 43 (1) (a) of the Trade Dispute Act on ‘special provision with respect to payment of wages during strike and lockouts’ known in labour parlance as no-work-no-pay with effect from Monday, August 2, 2021, when the strike was commenced by NARD members.

“Consequently on the above, I am directed to inform you to commence the implementation of the no-work-no-pay policy on the striking doctors including other workers that may embark on strike consequently.

“This directive is in line with Section 43 (1) (a) of the trade dispute act which inter alia states ‘where any worker takes part in a strike, he shall not be entitled to any wages or remuneration for the period of the strike.

“And any such period shall not account for the purpose of reckoning the period of continuous employment and all rights dependent on continuity of employment shall be prejudicially affected accordingly…

“You are to compute the financial implications of the ‘no-work-no-pay’ from the salaries of resident doctors and any other health worker that participated in strike using the attached template and forward same to the IPPIS office through the Federal Ministry of Health for implementation w.e.f 2nd August 2021.

“Please accept the assurances of the warm regards of the Honourable Minister.”

Reacting to the directive, the President of NARD, Dr. Uyilawa Okhuaihesuyi said the association is not surprised by the directive of the FG.

“It is expected and we are not surprised. They (FG) need to take their work more seriously, instead of witch-hunting people,” 

MTO/Punch