Unpaid salaries: Ondo varsity’s NASU, SSANU begin strike — after ASUU

The labour unions at the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH) in Okitipupa, Ondo state have embarked on an indefinite strike over issues including unpaid salaries.

According to NAN, Temidayo Temola, chairman of the unions’ joint action congress (JAC), broke the news in a statement on Wednesday.

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

The university’s JAC said the strike follows on the back of decisions reached at its congress which held on April 6.

It said over 22 months of its pension deductions have not been remitted while earned allowances remain unpaid.

“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,” the congress’ statement read in part.

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

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

Ganiyu Saliu, OAUSTECH registrar, who spoke on the development, said the management is aware of the strike.

He attributed the inability of the government to meet the union’s monetary demands to the shortfall in the government’s subvention which could no longer be managed to cater to its obligations.

He said other factors included the COVID-19 pandemic which he noted has adversely affected 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 added.

The development comes a few days after the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at OAUSTECH similarly declared a strike.