Unpaid Salary: Ondo varsity lecturers begin strike

Labour unions at the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, Ondo State have begun an indefinite strike over unpaid salaries and other issues.

The notice was contained in a statement signed by, the Chairman of the Joint Action Congress (JAC), Temidayo Temola in Okitipupa.

The affected unions include the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), and National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).

“The JAC of OAUSTECH arising from all-important congress on April 6 resolved to commence the total, comprehensive and indefinite strike.

“This is a result of the inability of the management of the university to meet the demands of the unions on the payment of salaries from November 2020 till date.

“Also, non-remittance of over 22 months pension deductions coupled with non-implementation of minimum wage as well as non-payment of earned allowances.

“The unions will not relent on the indefinite strike until our demands are met,” the statement read.

The Registrar of the Institution, Mr Ganiyu Saliu, while reacting, said the management was aware of the strike, attributing the inability of the government to meet the union’s demand to the shortfall in the government’s subvention which could no longer be managed to meet its obligations.

He also said that another factor included the issue of the COVID-19 pandemic which shut down the system with adverse effects on the economy.

“Government is aware of all these issues but all these were due to the dwindling fortunes; the management is working with the unions to resolve all the issues soon,” Saliu said.