The Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso chapter in Oyo State, has appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde and other stakeholders to address the ongoing industrial action in the institution.
The appeal is contained in a statement jointly signed by union Leaders, including: Olukemi Ogundipe (NANNM); Olubayo Oladoja (MHWUN); David Olobaniyi (NASU) and Oluwafunmilayo Ojebode (NUAHP) on Tuesday in Ibadan.
The unions under JOHESU are National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP).
Recall that the union had on March 12 began a 10-day warning strike to press home their demands that were yet to be addressed in spite of several calls made.
According to JOHESU leaders, there is need for quick intervention from all stakeholders in the state to prevent the ongoing industrial dispute from transforming into a full blown action.
The union leaders said JOHESU members had embarked on industrial action because it was the only option available to drive their points home.
They said the action was avoidable if all stakeholders were proactive enough.
The leaders appealed passionately to the state government to make adequate funds available to the hospital through an annual budget provision and timely implementation.
They said that the effort would guarantee rapid development of the institution to promote training and retraining of health officers, proper career advancement as well as job motivation without restrictions.
JOHESU leaders said that services available in the hospital could be attested to by the level of patronage across Nigeria, adding that it could still be improved with better funding.
Among other demands were payment of salary arrears for the re-engaged staff for five and eight months respectively.
“Payment of salaries of re-transferred members of staff who have been working in LTH since April 2021 to be paid by the hospital.
“Funds to effect the payment should be transferred from the state government in full to the hospital.
“Financial implementation of 2018-2020 promotion with the payment of arrears effective from August 2021.
“The issue of outstanding promotions which are associated with 2018-2020 promotion exercise should be addressed.
“Promotion exercise should be conducted annually according to the Civil Service Rules for those who are duly qualified and the pay increase be effected promptly as at when due,” they said.
The leaders appreciated the magnanimity of Governor Makinde on the payment of backlog of salary arrears incurred by the previous administration.
They also appealed to the governor to increase the amount released for payment of salary arrears to reduce the number of years to settle the arrears.
“With the current payment schedule, it will take nine years and some months to pay all, a period within which many would have retired from active service,” the leaders said. NAN
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