Rufus Giwa Polytechnic lecturers threaten strike over unpaid salaries

The lecturers at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), represented by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic (ASUP), have issued a strong warning to the management and state government regarding their 13-month unpaid salaries.

Frustrated by their financial struggles and the inability to adequately provide for their families, some union members expressed their intention not to participate in the upcoming first-semester examination, scheduled to commence on June 13.

If the state government fails to remit their outstanding salaries by next week, the lecturers have threatened to initiate an industrial action to pursue their rightful payment.

During a congress held on Thursday, a communique was issued and signed by the Union’s Chairman, Arikawe Ade, and Secretary, Fapetu Damilola, stating that the decision to strike is final.

The communique emphasised the unanimous agreement to withhold services from the scheduled examination until specific conditions are met.

The union acknowledges the significant challenges their members face due to the current high cost of fuel, which makes it exceedingly difficult for them to fulfill their official duties.

The key demand put forward by the union is the immediate and complete payment of all outstanding salary arrears, spanning 13 months, owed to the institution’s staff.

It is crucial to note that this decision is binding on all financial members of ASUP.

The communique read: “After much emphasis and extensive deliberation, the Congress unanimously agreed to withdraw the services of members from participating in the scheduled First Semester Examination exercise which is proposed to commence on 13th June 2023, until the condition below is met.

“The union before arriving at the decision, observed that the hardship or challenges of the current price of fuel on their members and attendance to their official duties is making it extremely difficult.

“We want the payment in full of all outstanding (13 months) salary arrears owned by the staff of the institution.

“The Congress wish to strongly emphasise that the decision above is binding on all the financial members of the union (ASUP).”