By Banji Ayoola
The striking workers of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, RUGIPO, have rejected the directive by the Ondo State Government to resume their normal academic and administrative activities.
They also rejected the suspension of their union activities and its leadership.
In a directive to the Chairman of the Chairman of the institution’s chapter of Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics, SSANIP, on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties, Comrade Bola Taiwo, the government had announced the above measures.
Besides it threatened to withhold salaries of the institution’s striking workers who fail to resume as directed.
It also threatened to apply the “No work, no pay” rule against all the striking workers who refuse to resume immediately as it directed.
But, reacting in a statement issued by the joint Workforce of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Owo, the striking worker faulted the government”s action as “unlawful and a direct affront to the principles of democracy, rule of law, and fundamental human rights as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and relevant labour laws.”
Following is the full statement titled “Rejoinder to the purported suspension of union activities and executives of Ondo State Government”:
“Solidarity greetings!
“The attention of the Unions in Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo has been drawn to the purported suspension of union activities and its duly elected executives by the Ondo State Government,
“The act is allegedly in response to the ongoing legitimate agitation for the implementation of the approved new national minimum wage to workers in Rugipo.
“We consider this action not only unlawful but a direct affront to the principles of democracy, rule of law, and fundamental human rights as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and relevant labour laws.
“First, it is important to state unequivocally that trade unions are legally recognized bodies established under the Trade Unions Act, and their existence, operations, and leadership are protected by law.
“Therefore, No state government or authority has the unilateral power to proscribe, suspend, or interfere with the legitimate activities of a registered union or dissolve its elected leadership without due legal process. Any such action is therefore null, void, and of no effect. It lacks legitimacy.
“Secondly, the demand for the implementation of the new minimum wage is not a crime, nor is it an act of insubordination. It is a lawful and legitimate right of workers, backed by national policy and collective bargaining principles. Workers cannot be punished for peacefully demanding what rightfully belongs to them. To do so amounts to victimization and suppression of lawful industrial expression.
“Furthermore, this purported suspension raises serious concerns about the commitment of the government to industrial harmony. Rather than engaging in constructive dialogue and good-faith negotiations, resorting to coercive measures only escalates tensions and undermines trust between the government and its workforce.
“We therefore state as follows:
“1.The Union rejects in totality the purported suspension of its activities and executives, as it lacks legal backing and due process.
“2.The Union remains committed to peaceful engagement, dialogue, and lawful advocacy in pursuit of the welfare of its members.
“3.We call on the Ondo State Government to immediately rescind this decision and return to the negotiation table to address the issue of minimum wage implementation and other outstanding concerns.
“4.We call on the government not to take to any ill advise from enemies of progress as such would negate its good posture of being a workers friendly government.
“4. We urge all members of Staff of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Owo to remain calm, law-abiding, and resolute, as the Union is taking appropriate legal steps to address this unlawful act.
“5.We also call on relevant stakeholders, including labour leaders , civil society organizations, and the general public, to intervene in the interest of justice and fairplay from any undemocratic action of the government .This will forestall industrial peace in the institution
“Let it be clearly stated that the struggle for workers’ rights is legitimate and cannot be silenced by administrative pronouncements. History has consistently shown that dialogue, not suppression, is the pathway to sustainable industrial relations.
“The Union remains united, steadfast, and committed to defending the rights and welfare of its members.
“The struggle continues.”
Ondo to enforce “No work, no pay” against striking RUGIPO workers who fail to resume
