Organised Labour in Ondo State has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the management of Federal University of Technology Akure Teaching Hospital (FUTATH), alleging breaches of workers’ rights, victimisation of trade union members and non-compliance with agreements guiding the transition of workers from the former State Specialist Hospital into the federal institution. The labour unions, in a press conference on Monday, alleged that some workers inherited from the former State Specialist Hospital were compelled to renounce their membership of recognised trade unions as a condition for participating in the ongoing transition process into FUTATH. The unions described the development as a direct attack on workers’ freedom of association guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution and international labour conventions. According to the NLC Chairman Comrade Ademola Adeniji, “Inherited workers were compelled to execute documents renouncing or disclaiming their membership of duly registered trade unions as a precondition for participation in the transition process.” Organised Labour stated that such action amounts to “an unacceptable interference with the constitutional right to freedom of association as guaranteed under Section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and runs contrary to internationally recognised labour standards.” The unions also raised concerns over alleged intimidation, victimisation and witch-hunting of labour leaders and trade union members because of their involvement in legitimate union activities. “Organized Labour shall resist, through every lawful means, any attempt to intimidate or suppress the leadership of its affiliates,” the letter stated. Beyond the alleged rights violations, the workers accused the management of breaching the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) guiding the transition process by excluding some employees whose names appeared on the agreed nominal roll from enrolment into the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS). The unions further faulted claims allegedly made by the hospital management that the nominal roll attached to the MoU was “loaded,” insisting that previous verification exercises involving the Ondo State Government and other stakeholders had confirmed the authenticity of the list. Reacting, the Chief Medical Director of FUTATH, Prof. Olusegun Ojo, denied the allegations, saying the management had complied with the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding and had not victimised any worker. Speaking with journalists in his office, Ojo said, “It was disappointing to hear labour leaders publicly declare that they intended to make my work difficult. They appeared not to have studied the MoU. Had they asked, I would have gladly explained it to them. I had already discussed the MoU with their leadership. “Unfortunately, misunderstanding of the agreement resulted in unnecessary disruptions. “It is disappointing that educated people would disrupt the peace of a hospital. If there are concerns about the leadership, there are established channels for addressing them. Hospitals care for cancer patients, people with severe infections and patients awaiting surgery. Even during war, hospitals are protected. I expected greater restraint regardless of their grievances,” the CMD stated.
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