Workers of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, on Thursday, staged a protest over the alleged non-payment of their allowances by the institution’s management.
The workers, under the auspices of the National Association of Non-Teaching Staff of Nigerian Universities, FUTA branch, alleged that while members of other unions had received the approved allowances, members of their association were excluded.
The protesters, chanting solidarity songs, marched to the office of the Vice-Chancellor to register their grievances, vowing to sustain the protest until their demands were met.
Speaking during the protest, the branch chairman of the union, Adebayo Aladerotohun, alleged that the Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Allowance and Earned Allowances approved by the Federal Government were withheld from members of his association.
He said, “A very unfortunate incident occurred in FUTA yesterday (Wednesday).
Our members’ names were removed from the payroll for the payment of CONTA and Earned Allowances duly approved by the Federal Government.
“We discovered yesterday that the university paid the allowances but excluded our members.
“We understand that the university implemented the government circular wrongly. It also appears that the university is favouring a particular union.
“Our letters of appointment clearly state that we are entitled to all approved government allowances.
“Whenever the government approves allowances for workers in the system, we are entitled to them. The provisions of our letters of appointment supercede any collective agreement in matters relating to implementation. The management erred by violating the terms of our appointments.”
Aladerotohun threatened legal action if the management failed to address the issue within seven days.
“We are giving the management a seven-day ultimatum from today, after which we will institute legal action,” he said.
Addressing the protesters, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof Taiwo Amos, appealed for calm, assuring them that management was committed to resolving the matter amicably.
He said, “It is the right of individuals to belong to any union of their choice, and management is not opposed to that. At no time will management deny anyone his or her legitimate entitlement.
“Management is examining the matter and discussions are ongoing at the highest level. We have also resolved to meet with the union’s executive again.
“I appeal to you to give us some time. We are better off resolving this through dialogue.
“We cannot achieve anything through confrontation. We have seen what is happening in some sister institutions where crises have hindered progress.
“I assure you that once the matter is resolved, it will be in your favour. Nobody will be shortchanged because we are all working for the progress of FUTA. Please exercise patience and allow management time to engage further with your leaders.”
