OAU ASUU begins strike over unpaid allowances

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife chapter, yesterday began indefinite strike over unpaid allowances of members.

The Nation reports that the union sought the permission of its national secretariat to embark on strike during the last emergency congress on January 11.

The union announced the strike through its Chairman, Adeola Egbedokun, in a statement yesterday after an emergency congress.

Egbedokun said: “Congress was called on Monday and we had discussion on Earned Academic Allowance (EAA). The chairman briefed the congress on the series of engagement the executive has had with some senior members of the university community. He also reported his phone conversation with the vice chancellor.

“Congress noted that there was no serious commitment on the part of the university to effect payment of EAA to deserving members. Congress also noted that all political and diplomatic means to resolve the imbroglio had failed.

“Congress resolved that total, comprehensive and indefinite strike should begin immediately. The strike must not be called off without a congress resolution to the effect.

“Payment of EAA must be based on ASUU computation. Anything short of this will be unacceptable. A Strike Coordinating Committee should be set up to monitor the strike.

“Based on the above and on the strength of the permission granted by ASUU National President, the Chairman, on behalf of the congress, declared the commencement of ASUU strike.” (NGNEWS247.COM)