Ondo workers begin indefinite strike at FUTA Teaching Hospital
By Boye Oyeyemi
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Ondo State have directed workers at the Federal University of Technology, Akure Teaching Hospital (FUTATH) to begin an indefinite strike over the alleged failure of the hospital management to implement an agreement on staff welfare.
The directive, signed by the Ondo State NLC Chairman, Ademola Olapade, and his TUC counterpart, Clement Fatuase, instructed all affiliated unions in the hospital to withdraw their services from 12 midnight on Sunday, July 26, until further notice.
The labour unions said the action followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the hospital management, alleging that none of their demands had been met.
They accused the management of failing to enrol workers on the authenticated nominal roll into the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System, despite an earlier Memorandum of Understanding signed by both parties.
The unions also alleged that the management had compelled workers to renounce their membership of recognised trade unions and subjected labour leaders and members to intimidation, discrimination and victimisation.
They directed all affiliate unions to mobilise their members for a peaceful picketing of the hospital on Monday to demand the implementation of the agreement and the protection of workers’ rights.
According to the directive, the indefinite industrial action took effect from 12 midnight on Sunday, July 26, and will continue until further notice.
The organised labour said the strike became necessary because the hospital management failed to address its demands, warning that healthcare services at the facility could be disrupted if no resolution is reached.
