Labour unions at the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, have begun an indefinite strike over unpaid salaries and other issues.

The unions accused Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of refusing to remit over 22 months’ pension deductions, failure to pay the minimum wage, and earned allowances.

This is contained in a statement by Temidayo Temola, the Chairman of the Joint Action Congress (JAC) in Okitipupa.

The unions include the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), and National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).

“The JAC of OAUSTECH arising from all-important congress on April 6 resolved to commence the total, comprehensive and indefinite strike.

“This is as result of the inability of the management of the university to meet the demands of the unions on the payment of salaries from November 2020 to date.

“Also, non-remittance of over 22 months’ pension deductions coupled with non-implementation of minimum wage as well as non-payment of earned allowances.

“The unions will not relent on the indefinite strike until our demands are met,” the unions said.

The Registrar of the Institution, Ganiyu Saliu, while reacting, noted that the management was aware of the strike, attributing the government’s inability to meet the unions’ demand to the shortfall government’s subvention which could no longer be managed to meet its obligations.

He also stated that another factor included the issue of the COVID-19 pandemic, which shut down the system with adverse effects on the economy.

“Government is aware of all these issues, but all these were due to the dwindling fortunes; the management is working with the unions to resolve all the issues soon,” Mr Saliu said.