ASUP, MAPOLY Branch Commences Indefinite Strike

The last may not have been heard about the crisis between the Labour Unions and the Ogun State government on the new tax law as the Academic Staff Union of Polytech nics, ASUP, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic chapter this evening commenced an indefinite strike to press home their demand.

The decision to embark on an indefinite industrial action was contained in a communiqué issued and dated 19 October by the union to the management of the polytechnic.

This is coming barely 48 hours after the expiration of the 7-day warning strike by the organised labour in the state.

The union, at her congress held yesterday at the school premises, resolved to embark on an indefinite strike because what it called ‘a shattered hope’ on the part of the Ibikunle Amosun–led government.

“Our members’ temporary relief and belief that His Excellency was desirous of improving their welfare was shattered by the government of Ogun state, by inflicting more hardship on our members through more than doubling the tax deducted from salaries and allowances,” the communiqué reads.

Other issues the union is taking up with the government as contained in the communiqué include un-remitted pension for up to two years, many years of unremitted tax (already deducted from staff salary) to the Ogun state Internal Revenue Office , the long overdue 15 months arrears of CONPCASS (salary and allowances), etc.

The union also has some scores to settle with the management of the institution which ranges from part time remuneration which has not been reviewed for years, the act of withholding the cooperative and union deductions among others.

Speaking on the decision of the union, the Public Relations Officer, Mr. Wasiu Tejuoso corroborated the decision of the union, saying they are ready to recall their members if both the government and the polytechnic management decide to give their yearnings a second thought.

When our correspondent visited the institution this afternoon, some of the final year students who were supposed to be defending their final year projects were seen loitering around as many lecturers have vacated their offices in strict compliance with union directive. The available ones were not ready to work.

An HND II student of the Department of Mass Communication who simply identified himself as Musbau lamented that their hope of taking part in the next NYSC scheme is hanging in the balance unless the lecturers return to work.

All efforts to get the Public Relations Officer of the institution, Mr Kazzem on phone to react on the issue proved abortive as his line could not be reached.

By Abiodun Onafuye/Abeokuta