The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH) chapter, may declare an indefinite strike today over the failure of the Ondo State Government to implement the new salary structure for tertiary institution workers in the state, SavannahNewnow Reports.
The development follows growing frustration among academic staff over what the union described as the continued delay in implementing the approved salary structure, despite demands and engagements with the relevant authorities.
In a memo circulated by ASUU, OAUSTECH and two other tertiary institutions in Ondo State were listed among about 20 universities across the country that are yet to implement the new salary structure.
The development has raised concerns among members of the academic community, with the union expected to take a decision on industrial action if the government fails to address the matter.
The proposed strike, if declared, could affect academic activities at OAUSTECH and further disrupt the university calendar, coming amid renewed concerns over the welfare and remuneration of lecturers in state-owned tertiary institutions.
Sources within the union said members have become increasingly dissatisfied with the situation, insisting that the implementation of the new salary structure is necessary to address disparities in remuneration and improve the welfare of academic staff.
The union is expected to make its position known formally today following consultations and deliberations by its members.
The development also puts pressure on the Ondo State Government to urgently intervene and avert another disruption of academic activities in the state’s tertiary institutions.
Meanwhile, attention is also expected to focus on the other two tertiary institutions in Ondo State reportedly affected by the delay, as academic and non-academic staff await the government’s response.
If the proposed industrial action is declared, students and parents may be faced with another period of uncertainty over lectures, examinations and other academic activities.
ASUU has consistently maintained that the welfare of university lecturers and the implementation of agreed salary and working conditions are critical to the stability of the nation’s university system.
