Tension is mounting at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic (RUGIPO) as staff unions have strongly rejected what they describe as a purported suspension of union activities and their duly elected executives by the Ondo State Government.
In a strongly worded rejoinder issued to staff and stakeholders and made available to Newsline NG, the workforce of the institution condemned the alleged move, describing it as unlawful, undemocratic, and a violation of workers’ fundamental rights.
The unions maintained that the action was reportedly taken in response to their ongoing agitation for the implementation of the newly approved national minimum wage.
The statement emphasized that trade unions are legally recognized entities under the Trade Unions Act, noting that their existence, operations, and leadership are protected by law.
According to the unions, no state authority has the unilateral power to suspend union activities or dissolve elected executives without due legal process, stressing that any such action is “null, void, and of no effect.”
The workers further argued that their demand for the implementation of the new minimum wage is both lawful and legitimate, rooted in national policy and collective bargaining principles.
They insisted that peaceful agitation for improved welfare cannot be criminalized, warning that any attempt to suppress such efforts amounts to victimization and a breach of workers’ rights.
Raising concerns over the potential implications of the alleged suspension, the unions warned that the move could undermine industrial harmony within the institution.
They criticized the government for what they described as a preference for coercive measures over constructive engagement, noting that such an approach could erode trust between the workforce and the authorities.
The unions outlined a series of demands, including the immediate reversal of the purported suspension and a return to the negotiation table to address the minimum wage issue and other outstanding concerns.
They also cautioned the government against acting on what they termed “ill advice,” urging it to maintain its image as a worker-friendly administration.
Staff members were urged to remain calm, law-abiding, and resolute, while the unions pursue legal avenues to challenge the alleged action.
The statement also called on labour leaders, civil society organizations, and the general public to intervene in the interest of justice and fairness, warning that failure to address the situation could disrupt industrial peace within the polytechnic.
Reaffirming their commitment to lawful advocacy, the unions declared that the struggle for workers’ rights cannot be silenced by administrative directives.
They stressed that history has shown dialogue—not suppression—to be the most effective path to sustainable industrial relations.
“The union remains united, steadfast, and committed to defending the rights and welfare of its members,” the statement concluded, signaling a readiness to continue the agitation until their demands are met.
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