ASUU Indefinite Strike News: BSU ASUU declares indefinite strike
ASUU indefinite Strike News: BSU ASUU declares indefinite strike
ASUU indefinite Strike News: An indefinite strike has been declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Benue State University branch (ASUU-BSU). This is to address long-standing concerns for improved service conditions.
The move was made in reaction to the Benue State University (BSU) administration’s refusal to abide by previous agreements and meet union demands.
On June 26, 2023, the union called off a strike of a similar nature after receiving guarantees from the state government and the university administration that the union’s demands would be met.
Comrade Kwaghfan Tarnongo, the Branch Chairman, and Secretary Terrumun Gajir jointly proclaimed the union’s support of the National body and the start of a “total, indefinite, and comprehensive strike.”
The statement also said that the national body of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had authorized the suspension to be lifted.
During an emergency Congress in the Arts Theatre Complex on February 1, 2024, the decision was announced to the branch members.
The union emphasized how, despite prior agreements, the BSU Administration has refused to address the welfare issues of its members.
It highlighted a tripartite agreement that was struck in January 2023 between the Governing Council, BSU Administration, and Benue State Government. This agreement sought to address concerns about annual increments and promotion through greater finance.
By giving the institution more money, the union recognized the state government’s promise to uphold its end of the bargain.
“The Benue State Government deserves praise for fulfilling its end of the bargain by continuing to provide the institution with extra funding intended for yearly raises and promotions, as well as for clearing any outstanding debt.
Unfortunately, the BSU administration cannot be claimed to be in the same boat. In the interim, the university has dutifully accepted increased funding from the government but has declined to provide personnel with their rightful compensation.
“That Branch’s May 2023 strike was brought about by the BSU Administration’s disobedience of the January 2023 agreement.” A portion of the claim was read.
According to the union, the current strike is the result of unresolved issues that include, among other things, the non-enrollment/implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHTS), the implementation of the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA), the payment of Sundry allowances (PG, GST, EPS, and SANDWICH), the implementation of the annual incremental step arrears, the arrears of April 2023 salary, and the implementation of the 2021, 2022, and 2023 promotions.
The present strike is a result of the administration’s disregard for the rightful entitlements of academic staff at the institution, according to ASUU-BSU, which encouraged students, the Benue public, and BSU stakeholders to support the definitive settlement of the welfare concerns expressed by the union.
