Half Salary: We Are Not Casual Workers – ASUU Tells FG
…Condemns under-payment Of members
BY TEMI OHAKWE, ABUJA – The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has described the payment of 18days salaries of its members as an aberration and contravention of all rules of engagement in employment for academics the world over.
It particularly noted that the response of government towards ASUU’s demonstration of trust was the ‘so-called ‘pro-rata’ payment for 18 days as October 2022 salaries of academics thereby portraying them as daily paid workers.
The Union noted that its National Executive Council (NEC), took cognizance of the fact that the suspension of its eight months’ strike was a display of manifest trust in the judiciary, other institutions and organs of government to always put national interest above all other considerations.
These were contained in a statement issued in Abuja by ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke in which the Union noted with dismay that paying academics on “pro-rata” basis like casual workers, is unprecedented in the history of university oriented labour relations.
The Union therefore condemned in strong terms the attempt to reduce Nigerian scholars to casual workers in its entirety.
Osodeke said that an emergency meeting of ASUU’s National Executive Committee (NEC), which took place on Monday, November 7, 2022, further deliberated on developments since the suspension of the strike.
ASUU further said; “This we believe, as a union of thinkers, intellectuals, and patriots, will not only aid the process of amicable resolution of the crisis, but will also set the tone for smooth industrial relations between the Government and Nigerian workers at large”
“The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) suspended its eight-month strike on 14th October, 2022, in obedience to the order of the National Industrial Court and in further consideration of intervention efforts of well-meaning Nigerians, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.
“The action of the Union was a display of manifest trust in the judiciary and other institutions and organs of government to always put national interest above all other considerations.
“This we believe, as a union of thinkers, intellectuals, and patriots, will not only aid the process of amicable resolution of the crisis, but will also set the tone for smooth industrial relations between Government and Nigerian workers at large”
ASUU NEC however commended its members for their perseverance over the untold hardship and unwarranted provocation by some notorious agents of the ruling class.
It further said; “NEC further appeals for the understanding of Nigerian students, parents and other genuinely concerned individuals and groups while the Union continues to pursue positive resolution of this avoidable crisis within the ambit of legality without compromising the interests and welfare of Nigerian intellectuals”.
