Strike: FUTATH workers shun meeting with FG officials

A planned meeting between officials from Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Health and workers of the Federal University of Technology Akure Teaching Hospital (FUTATH) failed to materialize on Friday. The labor unions representing the workers were notably absent, leading to the postponement of the crucial peace parley.

The meeting, initiated by the ministry, was intended to address industrial disputes that threatened to disrupt services at the hospital. The unions had warned of a potential strike, citing the ministry's alleged failure to honor a transition agreement signed when the federal government took over the hospital from Ondo State.

Senior ministry officials, including Deputy Director Igbinosun Festus, were present and prepared for discussions. However, they received a letter dated July 23 from the labor unions, signed by Ondo State TUC Chairman Clement Fatuase. The letter cited "unavoidable engagements" as the reason for their inability to attend and requested a reschedule.

FUTATH's Chief Medical Director, Olusegun Ojo, acknowledged the federal government's commitment to resolving the issues. He explained that the crisis originated from the implementation of approved federal teaching hospital structures and administrative reforms following the institution's transition. While these reforms are deemed essential for the hospital's development, they have led to disagreements with some union leaders. Ojo assured stakeholders that management has consistently pursued dialogue, but lamented the repeated industrial actions that have disrupted clinical services before established dispute resolution mechanisms were fully exhausted.

“

Management has been implementing the approved Federal Teaching Hospital structure and administrative reforms as directed by the Federal Ministry of Health. While these reforms are essential to the development of the hospital, they have unfortunately generated disagreements between some labour union leaders and us.