Ondo Organised Labour Issues Fresh Ultimatum, Fixes Mass Congress

Organised Labour in Ondo State has summoned workers of the Federal University of Technology Akure Teaching Hospital (FUTATH) to a crucial mass congress at the hospital’s auditorium as tensions escalate over the implementation of the institution’s transition process.

The congress, expected to bring together members of various health sector unions, follows the issuance of a final seven-day ultimatum to the hospital’s Chief Medical Director (CMD), accusing the management of breaching the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) governing the transition to FUTATH.

Labour leaders said the gathering at the FUTATH auditorium would provide workers with updates on the dispute, review the hospital management’s response to the ultimatum, and determine the next line of action should their demands remain unmet.

In a jointly signed letter by the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Ondo State, Comrade Ademola Adeniji Olapade, and his Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart, Comrade Clement Fatuase, organised labour alleged that management excluded workers captured on the agreed nominal roll from the ongoing IPPIS enrolment process.

The unions also accused the management of compelling some inherited workers to renounce their membership of recognised trade unions before participating in the transition exercise, describing the development as a violation of workers’ constitutional rights and internationally recognised labour standards.

Labour further condemned what it described as intimidation and victimisation of trade union leaders, insisting that such actions threaten industrial harmony within the teaching hospital.

According to the unions, management has seven days to ensure the enrolment of all workers listed on the authenticated nominal roll, end any practice requiring workers to renounce union membership, cease alleged victimisation of labour leaders, and fully comply with the provisions of the MoU.

They warned that failure to meet the demands within the stipulated period could trigger an indefinite industrial action capable of shutting down hospital services.

The unions also disclosed that they would recommend a review of the Chief Medical Director’s continued stay in office if the alleged breaches persist, arguing that effective leadership is essential for maintaining industrial peace.

Copies of the ultimatum were forwarded to the Presidency, the Governor of Ondo State, the Minister of Health, relevant state officials, and security agencies.

As of the time of filing this report, the management of FUTATH had not issued an official response to the allegations.

The planned congress at the hospital auditorium is expected to attract significant attention as workers await the outcome of the ultimatum.