From Magnus Eze, Abuja
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), at the weekend, warned the Federal Government to address the issue of shortfall in personnel, because its members are running out of patience and it can no longer guarantee industrial peace in the polytechnics nationwide.
ASUP National President, Mr. Usman Dutse said members of the association had been broken by the hardship brought to them by government as a result of receiving salaries in fraction since last year.
Dutse said government had promised to address the challenges which started since January 2016, but, instead, the situation is getting worse with an increment in the quantum of cut.
He disclosed that the National Executive Council (NEC) will soon meet to deliberate on the way forward.
ASUP president urged government to keep to its word by fulfilling its promises.
“This is our right; anytime we start agitation they talk about ‘no work, no pay’.
So, we want to assure them that if they continue cutting our salaries, we, too, will cut our services, because, for every service we render, we deserve to be compensated.
“We are all aware that economic hardship in the country is biting; and if you get less than what you used to receive, the situation will be worst for you.
So, sincerely, we want to tell government to give us what we deserve and make sure our members do not suffer any longer, because we are not going to allow that to continue.
We are going to take action that will protect and defend the interest of our members and the system,” Dutse said.
He regretted that despite renewed promises by government to pay the backlog of debts owed members of his union, nothing has been done till date.
Recall that ASUP recently embarked on one week warning strike.