Taraba Varsity ASUU urges Govt to address pending issues to avoid industrial disharmony
Taraba Varsity ASUU urges Govt to address pending issues to avoid industrial disharmony
Callistus Agwaza, Jalingo
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Taraba State University chapter, has called on the state Governor Dr Agbu Kefas to expediently address critical issues affecting the academic staff of the university to ameliorate the hardship of the staff and avert possible industrial disharmony.
The chapter Chairman of the Union Dr. Garba, Mbave Joshua made the call at a Press conference held in Jalingo on Thursday, following the resolutions reached at their Congress earlier.
According to Joshua, the five critical issues that need urgent attention from the government include lack of pension scheme for lecturers, non payment of backlog of salaries, non payment of Earned Academic Allowances since 2014, non payment of promotion arrears and lack of perimeter fence for the university.
He lamented that the lack of pension scheme has not only made life difficult for families of their bereaved colleagues, but also gives the members a sense of insecurity for their future.
“Today, we gather with a sense of urgency and concern to address critical issues that affects not only our present but also our collective future. As a union, we recognize the pivotal role that security and stability play in shaping the trajectory of our lives and the well-being of our families.
“I address you today with grave concern regarding the absence of a pension scheme at Taraba State University. This critical issue demands immediate attention as it affects the welfare and livelihoods of our esteemed academic community. Of particular concern is the plight of the families of our deceased members. Without a pension scheme in place, these families are left to navigate the challenges of financial insecurity and uncertainty on their own. This is a completely unacceptable situation that highlights the urgent need for action.
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“It is with deep concern that we bring to the public’s attention the excruciating pains and hardships that our members are currently enduring due to the prolonged delay in receiving their withheld salaries. As each day passes without the payment of these outstanding salaries, the financial strain on our members intensifies, pushing them further into distress and uncertainty.
“It is with great concern that we bring to your attention the prolonged delay in the payment of EAA, which has created significant discontent and frustration among our members. The non-payment of these allowances not only undermines the commitment and dedication of our academic staff but also poses a threat to the overall industrial harmony within our educational institution. The Earned Academic Allowances are an integral component of our members’ remuneration package, and their non-payment has caused undue financial hardship and uncertainty for those who have diligently earned these allowances over the years.
“You may wish to note that a substantial number of our members have not received the promotion arrears owed to them, causing considerable frustration and discontent within our workforce. These promotion arrears are not just financial entitlements but also symbolize recognition of our members’ hard work, dedication, and contributions to the growth and development of our nation. The non-payment of promotion arrears not only creates financial strain for our members but also erodes their morale and diminishes their trust in the fairness and integrity of our institution.
“The University does not have a complete perimeter fence. It is on record that hoodlums and kidnappers have continued to attack our members and students within the University premises due to the porous nature of the campus. We sincerely request the government to expeditiously complete the construction of the perimeter fence to ensure the security of staff and students” the statement reads in part.
