Lautech Nurses, Midwives Begins Indefinite Strike Over Minimum Wage Implementation

Nurses and midwives at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State have commenced an indefinite strike over the non-implementation of the new National Minimum Wage and long-standing welfare issues.

This was contained in a statement released by the Unit Chairman, Ojewumi Olutayo, and Secretary, Adedokun Foluwake, respectively in Ibadan, the state capital, on Saturday.

PUNCH Online reports that the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Unit, began its strike, following the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum issued to the management of the hospital.

The association, which explained that the strike began, on Friday, said no meaningful steps were taken to address its demands despite repeated engagements and reminders.

“LAUTECH Teaching Hospital workers have suffered systemic neglect, with their welfare consistently overlooked compared to counterparts in other state-owned health institutions in the state who already enjoy improved packages.

“Our key demands include immediate implementation of the new National Minimum Wage and its consequential adjustments with effect from January 2025; payment of promotion arrears from 2018 to 2024; recruitment of additional nurses to address severe staff shortages; renovation and proper furnishing of nurses’ stations and restrooms to improve working conditions.”

The union stressed that the prolonged delay in meeting these obligations has created financial strain, low morale, and attrition of skilled personnel in the hospital.