The Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) at Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, has asked the governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, to intervene in the payment of what it described as about 80 per cent of outstanding promotion and wage-related arrears owed to its members.
In a statement signed by representatives of the Medical and Health Union, National Union of Allied and Health Professionals, Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and Senior Staff Association of Universities (SSANU), Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions, the union acknowledged the governor’s efforts to settle workers’ entitlements but said a large portion remained unpaid.
JOHESU alleged that the hospital management submitted a computation covering only about 20 per cent of the actual liabilities, resulting in the government releasing funds based on the lower figure.
“Consequently, only the understated sum was released and disbursed, leaving an outstanding balance of nearly 80 per cent,” the union said.
It said the affected arrears included promotion payments from January 2018 to September 2024 and consequential adjustments arising from the implementation of the minimum wage.
The union urged Makinde to approve a lump-sum payment of the outstanding balance, while also seeking the settlement of the 2016/2017 half-salary arrears, which it said had been fully computed and submitted to the governor’s office.
JOHESU also raised concerns over the failure of the hospital management to provide a full account of funds received for arrears payments over the past six years and the remaining liabilities.
Other outstanding claims listed by the union include 50 per cent balances of promotion arrears for October to December 2024, 14 months’ salary arrears for recalled workers, 26 months’ arrears for disengaged but reinstated workers, and promotion arrears from January 2025 to July 2026.
Beyond workers’ pay, the union called for emergency government funding to renovate dilapidated hospital facilities and replace obsolete medical equipment.
JOHESU warned that prolonged delays in resolving the issues could affect staff morale and productivity, with consequences for healthcare delivery at the tertiary institution.
The union also accused the hospital management of threatening workers involved in lawful union activities and urged Makinde to protect staff from “witch-hunting, intimidation, harassment or reprisals”.
It said the protection of workers’ rights was necessary to maintain industrial harmony and ensure uninterrupted healthcare services.
“We remain committed to saving lives and upholding our professional oath,” the union said, urging the governor to intervene directly in the outstanding payments and infrastructure challenges at the hospital.
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