JOHESU seeks Makinde’s intervention over 80% outstanding promotion, wage arrears - The Guardian Nigeria News

The Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, has appealed to the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to intervene in the payment of outstanding promotion and minimum wage consequential adjustment arrears owed its members.

The union also called for urgent intervention over other outstanding workers’ entitlements, dilapidated hospital infrastructure and alleged threats to the rights of workers engaged in lawful union activities.

In a statement jointly signed by the chairmen of the Medical and Health Union,  Olajide Bukola Rebecca; National Union of Allied and Health Professionals (NUHAP),   David Babatunde Olugbodi; Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU),  David O.Olobaniyi; and Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI),   Omobolanle O.Adeniran, JOHESU lauded Makinde for approving and releasing funds to offset promotion arrears and minimum wage consequential adjustment arrears.

The union, however, alleged that the impact of the governor’s intervention had been substantially reduced because the hospital management submitted to the government a computation representing only about 20 per cent of the actual liabilities.

According to JOHESU, the affected liabilities included promotion arrears from January 2018 to September 2024 and arrears arising from the minimum wage consequential adjustment.

“Consequently, only the understated sum was released and disbursed, leaving an outstanding balance of nearly 80 per cent,” the union said.

It called on the governor to approve the lump-sum settlement of the outstanding balance, adding that the full computation of the 2016/2017 half-salary arrears had been concluded and submitted to the governor’s office for consideration.

JOHESU also expressed concern that the governor’s directive to the hospital management to render a full account of funds received for the payment of the arrears over the past six years, as well as the outstanding balance, had yet to be complied with.

The union listed other outstanding demands to include payment of the 50 per cent balance of promotion arrears for October, November and December 2024; 14 months’ salary arrears for recalled staff; 26 months’ salary arrears for disengaged but reinstated staff; and arrears of 2025 promotion from January 2025 to July 2026.

It also called for an emergency capital intervention for the comprehensive renovation of dilapidated hospital structures and the procurement of modern medical equipment to replace obsolete facilities.

The union warned that continued delays in resolving the issues were eroding staff morale and productivity, with possible implications for the quality, safety and continuity of healthcare delivery at the tertiary institution.

On workers’ rights, JOHESU urged Makinde to affirm and protect the right of staff to make legitimate demands for earned entitlements and improved working conditions through lawful union activities.

It also called on the governor to direct the hospital management to refrain from witch-hunting, intimidation, harassment or reprisals against union leaders and members.

The union urged that no staff member should be victimised, directly or indirectly, for participating in the ongoing lawful agitation for improved welfare and working conditions.

JOHESU said a safe and enabling environment for social dialogue was essential to industrial harmony and sustainable healthcare delivery.

“We remain committed to saving lives and upholding our professional oath,” the union said, urging Makinde to authorise the direct release of the outstanding 80 per cent balance, approve lump-sum payment of the 2016/2017 half-salary arrears, settle other pending entitlements and provide emergency funding for infrastructure renewal.

The union also appealed to the governor to ensure the protection of its members as they lawfully advocate for their rights.