The lecturers at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, in Ondo State, have initiated a strike action in response to the non-payment of their salaries for a period of 13 months.
Under the banner of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic (ASUP), RUGIPO chapter, the affected lecturers have resolved to abstain from participating in the upcoming first-semester examinations scheduled for next Tuesday, unless the government takes necessary action to address their concerns.
These decisions were reached during a congress held on Thursday, as outlined in a communiqué signed by the union’s chairman, Comrade Arikawe Ade, and the secretary, Comrade Fapetu Damilola.
As stated in the communiqué, the union members unanimously agreed to commence a withdrawal of their services following the conclusion of the congress, effectively commencing the industrial action on Friday.
The issued communiqué stated, “We demand the full payment of all outstanding salary arrears owed to the staff of our institution, which amounts to 13 months. The Congress firmly emphasizes that this decision applies to all financial members of the union.”
Furthermore, the union expressed its concern over the significant hardship caused by the current high fuel prices, which affects the attendance of its members at their official duties.
The Congress expressed deep sadness over the plight of its members, who continue to suffer due to the backlog of unpaid salaries. It called upon the state government to assist the institution’s authorities in clearing the salary arrears, similar to the prompt payment of salaries to state and local government workers who are not facing any salary debts.
