Strike Looms as Workers Demand Implementation of Minimum Wage

Workers of polytechnics and colleges of education in Oyo State have announced plans to embark on an indefinite strike starting February 6, 2025. This decision follows the prolonged delay in implementing the approved minimum wage for workers in these institutions.

JAC Chairman Expresses Displeasure

Dr. Kola Lawal, Chairman of the Joint Action Committee (JAC), made this known in a statement released on Sunday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. He criticized the delay, describing it as a clear sign of neglect towards workers’ welfare and a failure to uphold the state government’s commitment to fair remuneration.

Financial Strain on Workers

Dr. Lawal emphasized that the delay had placed significant financial burdens on workers, making it increasingly difficult for them to provide quality education. Despite the state government’s proactive steps to ensure workers receive adequate pay, the management of these institutions has yet to implement the new minimum wage.

Universities Benefit While Polytechnic and College Workers Are Left Out

He further noted that while universities in the state had received the new wage, polytechnics and colleges of education were yet to benefit. According to him, this selective implementation is unacceptable, considering that the government had increased subsidies to all higher institutions to facilitate the wage adjustment.

Workers Call for Urgent Action

In his statement, Dr. Lawal urged the government and institutional management to act swiftly, warning that failure to implement the new wage before February 6 would result in a complete shutdown of academic activities in polytechnics and colleges of education across the state.