LAUTECH Teaching Hospital workers have appealed to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene in the payment of outstanding arrears and address deteriorating infrastructure at the institution.

The Joint Health Sector Union, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital chapter, made the appeal in a statement signed by the chairmen of the Medical and Health Union, National Union of Hospital and Allied Health Professionals, Non-Academic Staff Union and Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions.

The union acknowledged the governor’s approval and release of funds to offset promotion arrears and minimum wage consequential adjustment arrears but said the impact of the intervention had been weakened by administrative lapses within the hospital management.

According to the workers, the management submitted a computation representing only about 20 per cent of the actual liability relating to promotion arrears from January 2018 to September 2024, as well as minimum wage consequential adjustment arrears.

The union also said a directive by the governor for the hospital management to provide a full account of funds received for the payments over the past six years, including the outstanding balance, had yet to be complied with.

Among the workers’ demands are payment of the remaining 50 per cent balance of promotion arrears for October to December 2024, 14 months of salary arrears owed recalled staff and 26 months owed disengaged but reinstated workers.

They are also demanding payment of 2025 promotion arrears covering January 2025 to July 2026, as well as the settlement of outstanding half-salary arrears from 2016 and 2017.

Beyond the financial demands, the union called for emergency funding to rehabilitate dilapidated structures at the hospital and replace obsolete medical equipment.

The workers 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 facility.

The latest demand comes amid wider labour tensions at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital. Resident doctors began an indefinite strike in August over outstanding minimum wage, promotion and professional allowance arrears, among other welfare issues, while the Nigerian Medical Association subsequently urged the Oyo State Government to resolve the dispute. (The Guardian Nigeria)

JOHESU also appealed to the governor to protect union members from intimidation, harassment or reprisals for participating in what it described as lawful demands for improved welfare and working conditions.

The union urged Makinde to authorise the release of the outstanding balance of approved funds, settle the various pending entitlements and provide emergency funding for infrastructure renewal.