Protest rocks Ondo Poly as workers allege unjust hold of salaries

By Boye Oyeyemi

Some members of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, have protested the alleged withholding of workers’ salaries by the institution’s management amid ongoing industrial dispute.

The aggrieved union members who merged to be called ‘the Liberation Group,’ described the action as unacceptable, warning that it could worsen tensions between staff and the management of the institution.

In a statement issued on Monday, the group questioned the decision to stop salary payments despite the state government’s reported release of monthly subventions meant for the payment of workers.

According to the group, the action raises serious legal and administrative concerns within the framework of labour relations and public financial management.

They argued that Nigerian labour laws recognise industrial action, including strikes, as part of legitimate collective bargaining processes between workers and employers.

The statement added that existing labour statutes, including the Labour Act, Trade Union Act and Trade Dispute Act, provide mechanisms such as negotiation, mediation and arbitration for resolving workplace conflicts.

The union members also raised concerns over what they described as possible administrative impropriety, noting that government subventions meant for salaries are designated funds for workers’ remuneration and must be used appropriately.

They warned that withholding salaries during an industrial dispute could escalate the crisis and urged the institution’s management to pursue dialogue and lawful dispute resolution channels to restore industrial harmony.