Ambrose Alli University (AAU) Ekpoma ASUU Suspends Strike

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The Ekpoma Chapter of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the state-owned Ambrose All University (AAU) called off its 66-day strike yesterday over unpaid salaries for several months and more than a year of unpaid check-off dues and other miscellaneous deductions from salaries at the institution.

The University’s chapter of ASUU went on strike on March 25, this year, to demand payment of overdue wages/emoluments, check-off dues, and other miscellaneous deductions from the salaries of the institution’s employees.

In a statement made available to newsmen in Benin City yesterday, the University’s Chapter of ASUU claimed the strike action has been suspended as a consequence of a Memorandum of Action (MOA) signed by the University Administration and the Union following multiple discussions.

The Congress of the University’s ASUU resolved to accept the MoA during its meeting on Monday, May 31, 2021, when it was received and debated, and then suspended its strike action, effective May 31, 2021. As a result of the foregoing, the Union instructed its members to return to work as soon as possible.

The Union presented the terms of the MoA in a statement signed by Dr. Monday Igbafen, Chairperson, and Dr. Anthony Coker-Alzobioje, Secretary, respectively.

  • That the Government will meet its obligation of paying the first tranche of the outstanding emoluments to the staff of the University within the week.
  • The first tranche constitutes a minimum of two months full (gross) salaries (January and February 2021) as well as two months of outstanding check-off dues and other sundry deductions (April and May 2020).
  • That the first tranche is paid in the first week of June 2021. The remaining emolument(salaries, check-off dues, and other sundry deductions) shall be paid on or before the 30th of June 2021.
  • No member of the Union will be victimized because of the strike action.
  • If the above condition is breached within the specified period, the strike action shall resume without notice.

The Union, on the other hand, cautioned against violating the said Memorandum of Agreement in the interest of maintaining long-term industrial peace in the institution, while praising members’ fortitude as well as students’ and parents’ patience during the period of suspended strike action.