JOHESU Says Unpaid Arrears Threaten Healthcare Services at LAUTECH Hospital.
JOHESU Says Unpaid Arrears Threaten Healthcare Services at LAUTECH Hospital.
The Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso has appealed to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene in disputes over unpaid staff entitlements and deteriorating hospital facilities.
In a statement issued in Ibadan on Monday, the union said hospital management had not fully complied with the governor’s directives concerning arrears owed to workers. The statement was signed by Medical and Health Union chairman Bukola Olajide, NUHAP chairman Babatunde Olugbodi, NASU chairman David Olobaniyi and SSAUTHRIAI chairman Omobolanle Adeniran.
JOHESU praised Makinde for approving and releasing funds to address promotion arrears and consequential adjustments arising from the minimum wage. However, it said administrative shortcomings had reduced the impact of the intervention.
According to the union, the hospital management submitted calculations covering only about 20 per cent of the actual liabilities for promotion arrears dating from January 2018 to September 2024, as well as minimum-wage adjustment arrears. It called for the outstanding balance to be paid in a lump sum and said management had yet to provide a full account of funds received for the payments over the past six years.
The union listed several other outstanding demands, including the remaining 50 per cent of promotion arrears for October to December 2024; 14 months of salary arrears for recalled staff; and 26 months of arrears for workers who were disengaged and later reinstated. It also sought payment of promotion arrears covering January 2025 to July 2026.
JOHESU further urged the state government to approve emergency capital funding to renovate deteriorating hospital buildings and replace obsolete medical equipment.
The union warned that delays in settling the arrears were weakening staff morale and productivity, potentially affecting the quality, safety and continuity of healthcare services at the tertiary hospital.
It also asked Makinde to protect workers’ rights to make lawful demands through union activities and to instruct hospital management not to intimidate, harass or retaliate against union leaders and members involved in the agitation.
JOHESU said a safe environment for dialogue was essential to industrial harmony and reliable healthcare delivery. It reaffirmed its commitment to patient care while urging the governor to ensure the outstanding 80 per cent balance was released, settle other pending entitlements and provide funding for infrastructure renewal.
The union also called for a lump-sum payment of half-salary arrears from 2016 and 2017, alongside safeguards against victimisation of staff advocating for improved welfare and working conditions.
