ASUU Protests Proposed Cut In Staff Salaries In Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma
ASUU PROTESTS PROPOSED CUT IN STAFF SALARIES IN AMBROSE ALLI UNIVERSITY, EKPOMA
Members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Ambrose Alli University, (AAU) Ekpoma Chapter embarked on a protest to the University Administration on Monday, 16th May, 2022 over the proposal by the University to implement cut in staff salaries. After the congress of the Union which was held on the main campus of the University, the Congress marched to the Office of the Acting Vice Chancellor to register their protest.
The protesting lecturers alleged that the University Administration was directed by the Special Intervention Team (SIT) (a controversial replacement of the Governing Council) of the University to implement a proposed cut in the salaries of staff in the University. According to the lecturers, the proposed pay cut was designed to reduce the overall wage bill the University has been grappling with in the regular payment of monthly emoluments of staff. They also reasoned that since the SIT is unable to meet the mandate of assisting Edo State Government generate funds for the University outside the source(s) from Government, they (SIT) feel that reducing the wage bill by downward review of allowances in staff emoluments would pacify Government and possibly make them attractive or relevant in terms of renewal of their appointment which falls due on 4th June, 2022.
While condemning the alleged plan by the University Administration to cut the salaries of staff, the Congress of the Union resolved to resist implementation of the pay cut proposal. The resolution of Congress was hinged on the fact that the basic salary and allowances in the emoluments of staff were products of collective bargaining between the labour unions and Government/the University Administration and therefore, cannot be altered unilaterally by any of the parties to the agreement. The Union threatened that if the pay cut is implemented it would continue with the local strike approved for the Branch on 14th February, 2022 by the national body of the Union after suspension of the national strike. The University Administration was implored by the Union to resolve the issues of outstanding emoluments (salaries, check off dues and other deductions) of staff for nineteen (19) months instead of further complicating the salary crisis in the University by unjustifiable pay cut plan.
The Acting Vice Chancellor of AAU, Ekpoma, Prof. Asowman Sonnie Adagbonyin addressed the protesters on behalf of the University Administration and sued for peace. He denied knowledge of the proposal for cut in staff salaries and told the protesters that the said pay cut will not be implemented, describing it as rumour. Notwithstanding, the Union used the opportunity to request the Acting Vice Chancellor to ensure that the “responsibility allowances” for Deans, Directors, Heads of Department/Units, Examination Officers, etc. that were unilaterally stopped by the University’s SIT are reinstated.
About The Author
