UNICROSS ASUU, C/River govt set for crunch meeting over strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) is preparing for a crucial meeting with the state government, aiming to end a crippling 45-day strike that has halted academic activities. The union has submitted a list of its grievances to a technical committee established by the government to mediate the dispute.

Dr. Patrick Ushie, the ASUU chapter chairman, confirmed that the union received an invitation from the government's committee and submitted the necessary documents detailing their demands. "These documents were submitted today (Tuesday), and we are preparing for the meeting before the week runs out. I am sure the documents are meant to prepare them for the planned meeting," Ushie stated.

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These documents were submitted today (Tuesday), and we are preparing for the meeting before the week runs out. I am sure the documents are meant to prepare them for the planned meeting.

While the union hopes for a swift resolution, Ushie stressed that ASUU remains resolute. "There is no backing down on the strike until our demands are fully met by the government," he declared. The strike, which began on May 19, stems from 11 grievances concerning staff welfare and the non-implementation of agreements. Key issues include unpaid salaries, wage award arrears, and unremitted check-off dues amounting to N11.9 million.

The university management cited funding constraints, stating they require an additional N200 million beyond their current N300 million subvention to meet ASUU's demands. The union had also appealed to the governor, who has not yet responded to their letter. In response to the ongoing crisis, Governor Bassey Otu formed a seven-member Technical Committee on June 17 to review the university's operations, staff welfare, and governance.

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There is no backing down on the strike until our demands are fully met by the government.