LASU workers begin indefinite strike over disparities in salary

The Joint Action Committee of the Academic and Non-Academic Staff of Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, yesterday, declared an indefinite strike.According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), their demand from the Lagos State Government includes increase in salary and addressing salary disparities between LASU and other universities in the state.

It also includes payment of 20 per cent salary increase as promised by the governor during his election campaign. Others include payment of 20 per cent and 35 per cent agreement reached between the Federal Government and university workers.

The unions involved include the LASU chapters of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).

Chairman, NASU-LASU, Justice Obafemi, said that the genesis of the industrial action was the promised 20 per cent salary increase made by Sanwo-Olu during his electioneering campaign. He said that when the administration came on board as new leaders, the unions wrote to the state government to look into the disparities.

Also, Chairman of ASUU-LASU, Prof. Ibrahim Bakare, said that the unions were more interested in peace, adding that the action was an agitation for workers’ welfare.

In the same vein, Chairman, SSANU-LASU, Seyi Lawal, said that the union had discussed and given the government several ultimatums to address and meet its demands. Lawal said that the government had been playing games with them.

MEANWHILE, in a statement, yesterday, Coordinator, Centre for Information and Public Relations, LASU, Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile, said that the institution’s Senate had declared a Christmas and New Year break for students and members of staff.

She said that the break started today till January 5, 2025, adding that all activities, including lectures and socio-academic events, would resume on January 6, 2025.