The three workers union of the Oke-Ogun polytechnic, Saki,Oyo state, on Monday asked the state government to pay back-log of workers’ salaries among other development in the institution.
In a statement made available to InsideOyo.com and signed by Olaleye, G. A. Mosobalaje, T. A. Adedokun and M. K, Chairman, ASUP Chairman, SSANIP Chairman, NASU respectively, the three union officers addressed the public on the on-going strike.
“Sequel to the blatant refusal of the Oyo State Government to fund Tertiary Education which has led to deterioration in infrastructural facilities, Staff development, hike in school fees and accumulated back-log of Workers’ salaries among other things. The resultant effects of all the afore-mentioned can best be imagined on both the Staff and the Students.
“Several attempts have been made to reach major Stakeholders such as Community leaders and Government functionaries at local and state levels to intervene, particularly on the need for proper funding of the institution vis – a – vis payment of salaries and arrears, accreditation, provision of ultra – modern equipment and many more.
“ In September 2018, the Management of The Oke–Ogun Polytechnic, Saki was asked to proceed on leave during the last strike that was embarked upon by the three Unions. An Acting Management team was put in place in the hope that the situation would improve. However, the Acting Management was unable to provide solution to the payment of the backlog of Salaries (16 months).
“In furtherance of our struggle, the Unions resumed the suspended strike of September 2018 on Monday, January 14, 2019 to press home her legitimate agitations. To our dismay, The Acting Management has since resorted to several inhuman antics and actions such as victimization, coercion, intimidation, blackmail, oppression, suppression, subjugation and harassment of Staff and Students’ Union Government (SUG) Representatives.”
The unions reiterated their demands as;
· Proper funding of the Institution
· Payment of the back-log of salaries (16 months)
· Outright stoppage of violation of Labour Act (2004 as amended)
· Due respect for the freedom of peaceful assembly and association as enshrined in Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.
· Acting Management should operate within the ambit of the Edict of The Oke- Ogun Polytechnic, Saki.
The Oke-ogun polytechnic workers union asked the Government to do the needful by acceding to their requests so that tertiary education will occupy a pride-place in Oyo State.
