Strike: YABATECH Lecturers Vow To Shut Down Today

 

We all know that the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics have lingered for a long time now and there is no sign of resolution from the Government. Well, inspite of the "no work, no pay" directive, lecturers at the Yaba College of Technology, YABATECH, have vowed to embark on a protest today, April 8.

Chairman of YABATECH Chapter of the Union, Adeyemi Aromolaran said the lukewarm attitude of the government towards their demands was unfair and uncalled for.
Aromolaran said ASUP was not moved by government’s `no work, no pay’ directive, saying it was an old policy, which would not produce any meaningful result.

“Majority of our members have vowed to continue with the strike, in spite of the no work, no pay threat."
“We have been expecting such directive; it is the only weapon that government always uses to frustrate union members." he said.

He noted that though few members of the union were afraid of the threat, others were ready to fight for their rights, adding that they were ready to mount pressure on the government until it meets their demands. His words;  

“We have been able to eliminate fear from the minds of the few members, and we will continue with the strike until our demands are met.”
“The threat will not yield any result for the government, as we are determined to fight the battle to finish."

“This is not the first time such a directive will be issued; but in the end, the government will still pay the money; so, what is the need for the threat." the chairman said.

The union said it would study the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) drafted by the Presidential Committee in March, adding that the document would determine the union’s next line of action.

“The document will decide our next line of action; the union will study it and see if it is favourable to its members’ cause."

“The union will call a National Executive Council meeting by the middle of April to take a stand; we cannot suspend the strike without a NEC decision."
 
“Government should stop toying with the future of the students; it is a sign of government’s insensitivity to polytechnic education, if it allows the strike to linger on,” Mr. Aromolaran said.