Oyo polytechnic, college workers threaten indefinite strike over minimum wage

Workers from polytechnics and colleges of education in Oyo State are on the brink of initiating an indefinite strike starting February 6, 2025, due to delays in the implementation of the new minimum wage. This action comes despite Governor Seyi Makinde’s approval of the new wage structure and the provision of additional subvention to these educational institutions.

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Tertiary Institutions in Oyo State, represented by its Chairman Dr. Kola Lawal, expressed deep frustration over the management of these institutions not adhering to the governor’s directive. The statement released by JAC highlighted that while Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) and Emmanuel Alayande University of Education have successfully implemented the new wage system, workers at polytechnics and colleges of education have been left out, even though funds for this purpose have been allocated.

The core of the workers’ grievances centers around the non-payment of the balance of the minimum wage table. Despite assurances from Governor Makinde, who has shown a commitment to improving workers’ welfare, the failure to implement the new minimum wage has significantly impacted the financial well-being of these employees, particularly amidst rising inflation and economic challenges.

“Unfortunately, workers in Polytechnics and College of Education in Oyo State have not received the same treatment, even though the funds meant for this purpose have been made available. This failure has further worsened the financial hardships faced by workers, especially in the face of rising inflation and economic challenges.”

The workers have set an ultimatum, stating: “We wish to state categorically that should the balance of the minimum wage table not be paid by Wednesday, 5th February 2025, workers across Polytechnics and College of Education in Oyo State will withdraw their services indefinitely starting from Thursday, 6th February 2025. This industrial action will be total and comprehensive until the issue is fully resolved.”

The JAC emphasized the urgency for those responsible to act swiftly to prevent disruptions in academic activities and to ensure that workers receive their rightful wages. They called for intervention from relevant authorities, stakeholders, and well-meaning individuals to push for an immediate resolution in the interest of industrial harmony, workers’ welfare, and the progress of education in Oyo State.

This looming strike underscores a broader issue of implementation delays and management inefficiencies in certain sectors of the state’s educational system, despite financial provisions being in place. It serves as a call to action for the state government and the institutions’ management to address these grievances promptly to maintain peace and productivity in the educational sector.