‘FG taking our patience for granted’ — varsity health workers protest over unpaid allowances

The Lagos council of the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI), on Wednesday, protested the “non-payment of allowances by the federal government”.

Omoniyi Olalekan, SSAUTHRIAI coordinating chairman, and members of the association displayed placards to convey their displeasure with the federal government.

The association is reportedly owed COVID hazard allowances and payment relating to salary structure adjustment.

Speaking at a media briefing, Olalekan said the federal government agreed to pay the allowances in an agreement it signed in April 2020.

“When it was time for payment, the government came up with its magic by categorising some of our members as non-essential workers and 10 percent was paid to them,” NAN quoted him as saying.

“Meetings with the federal government were held, where the minister of labour agreed that the 10 percent was paid in error and agreed to pay the remaining balance of 30 percent.

“The 30 percent was paid for just one month and up till now – it is more than a year now — nothing has been done.

“Both the remaining two months of 40 percent due for health workers in teaching hospitals and 30 percent for the specialist hospitals have not been paid. The government is taking our patience for granted.

“That’s why we are using this medium to appeal to the federal government to fulfill the agreement and do the needful.

“If some of these issues are not addressed, we cannot guarantee industrial harmony in the health sector.”