Health workers under the Joint Health Sector Union at Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria, have appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene in their unpaid salary and promotion arrears. The union, comprising various health worker associations, made the call in a statement signed by the chairmen of the Medical and Health Union, NUHAP, NASU, and SSAUTHRIAI in Ibadan on Monday.
The union commended Governor Makinde for approving funds to offset promotion arrears and minimum wage consequential adjustment arrears but alleged that the hospital management had failed to fully implement the governor's directives. According to the union, the hospital management submitted calculations covering only about 20 per cent of the actual liability for promotion arrears from January 2018 to September 2024, as well as minimum wage consequential adjustment arrears.
JOHESU also said the management had yet to comply with the governor's directive to provide a full account of funds received for the payments over the past six years and the outstanding balance. The union listed several outstanding demands, including payment of the remaining 50 per cent of promotion arrears for October to December 2024.
Other demands include 14 months' salary arrears owed recalled workers and 26 months' salary arrears owed disengaged but reinstated staff. The union also demanded payment of promotion arrears covering January 2025 to July 2026.
JOHESU warned that continued delays in settling the arrears were affecting staff morale and productivity, with possible consequences for the quality and continuity of healthcare services at the tertiary institution. The situation may compromise patient care and overall hospital operations.
The union appealed to Governor Makinde to protect its members from alleged intimidation, harassment, or victimisation over their participation in lawful industrial activities. Improved working conditions and a safe environment for dialogue are necessary to maintain industrial harmony and ensure sustainable healthcare delivery at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital.
The union urged Makinde to authorise the release of the outstanding funds, approve lump-sum payment of the 2016/2017 half-salary arrears, and settle other pending entitlements. This would help alleviate the financial burden on health workers and enable them to focus on providing quality healthcare services.
Key points
- Health workers at Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital appeal to Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene in their unpaid salary and promotion arrears.
- The union demands payment of outstanding arrears, including promotion arrears and salary arrears owed to recalled and reinstated staff.
- The situation may compromise patient care and overall hospital operations if the arrears are not settled promptly.
