ASUU-IMSU Begins Indefinite Strike Over Unresolved Benefit Delay

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Imo State University (IMSU) chapter, has embarked on an indefinite strike starting Friday, 20th September, to address long-standing grievances.

In a statement signed by Comrade Odinakachukwu Ejiogu, Chairperson, and Comrade Lazarus Chikwendu, Secretary of ASUU-IMSU, the union declared, “We are embarking on total and comprehensive indefinite strike effective Friday, 20th September. The decision stems from several unresolved issues persisting for years.”

The union’s demands include ending promotions without financial benefits dating back to 2016, addressing salary disparities between IMSU staff and other tertiary institutions, eliminating delays in staff assessment and promotion, selective salary payments, and paying off salary arrears.

Other demands of ASUU-IMSU according to the letter included, “non-payment of earned academic allowance since 2009, non-remittance of Union check off/welfare dues from 2020-2021, non-remittance of pension deduction from May 2016 to date, non-payment of annual increment in salaries, the inclusion of IMSU into Treasury Single Account, funding of the University and erosion of the University autonomy.

“We have made several attempts through letters, rallies, meetings and press releases and no concrete action has been taken by the university administration, governing council, and the visitor to the university.

“We issued 21 days’ notice on the 18th of July this year so that the University could resolve all the issues but no solution came. We were compelled to proceed on indefinite strike to press home our demands.”

Having issued a 21-day notice in July to resolve the issues, ASUU-IMSU felt forced to proceed with the strike.

Ejiogu urged the public to support the cause, stating that it was a fight for justice, better working conditions, and a brighter future for the university.