By Taiwo Bakare/queen Oluwafemi
Editor Ayomiposi Akinrimisi
As the peaceful protest by the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP), RUGIPO Branch, entered its fourth day on Thursday, the union has clarified that it has not embarked on strike action.
Speaking on the development, the Chairman of SSANIP, RUGIPO Branch, Comrade Saka Olugundoye Nurudeen, stated that academic activities are still ongoing under SSANIP’s watch and that the current action remains a five-day peaceful protest over the non-implementation of the approved national minimum wage.
He, however, confirmed that the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has embarked on a Strike
According to him, SSANIP’s protest is aimed at drawing attention to the hardship faced by staff members due to the failure to implement the revised minimum wage, which he said should reflect current economic realities.
“We are not on strike. What we are observing is a five-day peaceful protest. Tomorrow marks the fifth day. If the government does not respond positively to our demands, the union will decide on the next line of action,” he said.
Comrade Olugundoye emphasized that the union is not acting against the government but is seeking redress over what he described as prolonged neglect of workers’ welfare. He noted that while workers in other states are reportedly receiving ₦70,000 as the new minimum wage, staff of the polytechnic are still being paid the 2019 minimum wage.
He further explained that no decision on strike action has been taken by SSANIP, stressing that such a move can only be resolved by the union’s congress.
The Chairman disclosed that after the fifth day of the peaceful protest, a congress will be convened at the Adekunle Ajasin Auditorium, where members will deliberate and decide whether to embark on a strike.
“The power to declare a strike lies with the congress,” he added.
As of the time of filing this report, discussions were ongoing, while staff awaited the outcome of the scheduled congress meeting.
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