LAUTECH hospital workers seek Makinde’s intervention over unpaid arrears

Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State. Credit: LAUTECH Teaching Hospital.

The Joint Health Sector Union, Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, on Monday called on the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to come to their aid over non-compliance of the management of the institution with his directives on the payment of several arrears due to members of the union.

JOHESU made the call in a statement jointly signed by the Medical and Health Union Chairman, Bukola Olajide; the NUHAP Chairman, Babatunde Olugbodi; NASU Chairman, David Olobaniyi; and SSAUTHRIAI Chairman, Omobolanle Adeniran, in Ibadan, the state capital.

The union said there was a need for Makinde to urgently intervene on the issues of unpaid arrears, decaying infrastructure, and protection of workers’ rights.

It lauded the governor for his commitment to workers’ welfare, exemplified by his gracious approval and release of funds to offset promotion arrears and minimum wage consequential adjustment arrears.

JOHESU, however, expressed deep concern that “the impact of the governor’s intervention is substantially diminished due to administrative lapses.”

It said, “The hospital management submitted to the government a computation representing only about 20% of the actual liability in respect of promotion arrears from January 2018 to September 2024, and arrears of minimum wage consequential adjustment.

“The union respectfully requests lump-sum settlement of the outstanding balance. It also noted with concern that the governor’s directive to the hospital management to render a full account of funds received for this purpose over the past six years and the balance outstanding remains uncomplied with,” it stated.

JOHESU listed outstanding demands “as payment of the 50% balance of promotion arrears for October, November and December 2024; payment of 14 months’ salary arrears for recalled staff, payment of 26 months’ salary arrears for disengaged but reinstated staff, payment of arrears of 2025 promotion (January 2025 – July 2026), approval of an emergency intervention capital fund for the comprehensive renovation of dilapidated hospital structures and the procurement of modern medical equipment to replace obsolete ones.”

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The union warned that continued delay was eroding staff morale and productivity, with adverse implications for the quality, safety and continuity of healthcare service delivery at the tertiary facility.

“We, therefore, call on Governor Makinde to affirm and protect the inalienable right of staff to make legitimate demands for the payment of earned entitlements and improved working conditions through lawful union activities.

“We call for the intervention of the governor over non compliance of the management with his directives on the payment of several arrears due members of the union.

“We also call on the governor to direct the hospital management to refrain from any form of witch-hunting, intimidation, harassment or reprisal against union leaders and members, and ensure that no staff member is victimised, directly or indirectly, for his or her participation in the ongoing lawful agitation for staff welfare and improved working conditions.

“A safe and enabling environment for social dialogue is essential for industrial harmony and sustainable healthcare delivery. We remain committed to saving lives and upholding our professional oath.

“We respectfully urge His Excellency to authorise the direct release of the outstanding 80% balance, approve lump-sum payment of the 2016/2017 half-salary arrears, settle all other pending entitlements, and provide emergency funding for infrastructure renewal, while ensuring our members are protected as they lawfully advocate for their rights,” JOHESU stated.