ASUP laments non-payment of salaries

THE Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has warned against the victimisation of its members in some polytechnics across the country, for participating in union’s activities.
The union also decried the issue of shortfall in personnel, unpaid allowances and promotion arrears, as well as unpaid salaries at the Federal polytechnics, warning that it would henceforth not take this development lightly.
ASUP, therefore, called on the Federal Government to prevail on the Polytechnics management to immediately stop victimisation of their members for engaging in trade unionism.

The union has also accused some of the institutions of withholding their check off dues, having deducted same from the salaries of ASUP members.
National President of ASUP Comrade Usman Dutse, who spoke after the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union in Abuja, said the union will react and act appropriately on these issues; warning that their action may affect the smooth running of academic activities.
He pointed out that the branches of the unions involved would hold congresses in two weeks time, to take referendum on the next line of action.
He said: “The emergency NEC meeting was called to update and review the status of our struggle with both federal and state governments, particularly on the lingering crisis that has been going on for long.
“They have made several promises and given assurances but yet to be addressed; particularly on the payment of salaries in state institutions. Despite the bailout funds and Paris Club refund, some states are owing up to seven months.

“They are Edo State polytechnic, Abia State Polytechnic, Kogi State Polytechnic, Benue State Polytechnic and others. Also, we have others like Osun and Oyo states who have been receiving half salaries for the past 24 months. With the appeal by the President to the state governors to address these challenges, they remain adamant and continue to divert the funds for a different purpose.
“We also have issues that are emanating, particularly the issue of victimisation of our members; while some institutions are withholding check off dues after deductions. We believe that government are deliberately doing that to frustrate the activities of the union.

“NEC, after deliberations on the issues, directed chapter chairmen of the union to hold congresses within two weeks from now and take a decision on the next line of action.”
Comrade Dutse, while commending the Federal Government for constituting a committee for the renegotiation of 2010 FG/ASUP agreement, also lamented the shortfall in personnel.
“Also we have the issue of shortfall in personnel, unpaid allowances and promotion arrears at the federal polytechnics. The NEC also deliberated on the Polytechnic Act and urged the lawmakers to pass the bill into law.
“The need assessment has been there since 2014 without processing and the equipment in the institutions are dilapidating and we believe it is through the need assessment that all these issues can be addressed. In our last discussion with the Minister, he promised that these things would be addressed immediately but we don’t trust government because same promises were made in the past without addressing them for the past three years.”