Lira University Teaching Hospital assures continued operations amid staff protest over alleged underpayment, emphasizing smooth service delivery despite ongoing industrial action.
Lira University Teaching Hospital has reassured the public of its continued operations amidst an ongoing industrial action initiated by a faction of its employees. The institution confirmed that all services are running smoothly despite the protest.
The industrial action, which commenced on Monday, was launched by a faction of employees citing alleged underpayment by the university administration. The protesting staff, under the banner of the Association of the National Union of Educational Institutions (NUEI) – Lira University branch, raised concerns over the failure of the university to implement salary adjustments as directed by the public service.
Phyllis Ocwa, the Branch Secretary of NUEI, on monady highlighted the importance of salary harmonization across faculties and departments, expressing disappointment over said lack of action despite engagements with the administration since September 2022.
In response, Lira University, through a press statement released by its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Jasper Ogwal Okeng, acknowledged receipt of the notice of industrial action from NUEI, dated March 1st, 2024. The statement emphasized that the purported industrial action lacked adequate notice and disregarded due process.
Despite the protest, the institution affirmed that Lira University Teaching Hospital remains operational, with doctors, degree nurses, midwives, and willing diploma staff continuing their duties. The management urged all hospital staff to report to work while the matter is being addressed with the Ministry of Public Service.
