Barely any intervention, the campuses of Tertiary Institutions owned by the Plateau State Government shall be deserted from Tuesday, 4th March, 2025 as Joint Union of Plateau State Owned Tertiary Institutions (JUPTI) commences strike action
JUPTI is threatening to down tools over what it termed “government’s refusal to pay 35% salary increment”
Trill Times News can reliably report that as at the time of filing this report, concerted efforts by government teams led by Chairmen of the Governing Council of various institutions including their heads like Vice Chancellor, Rector and Provost are locked in discussions with the Union leaders with the view to averting the strike
The Union declares the strike to press home other demands like shortage of manpower. An official of the union who prefers anonymity said “our 25 and 35% salary increment have not been implemented”
“Also on the number of Manpower, you will recall that recruitment conducted by the Lalong led administration was cancelled by Gov Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang. Recruitment forms were sold and interviews conducted, but up to now, Government has refused to issue fresh appointment letters and the implication is that one lecturer does the work of seven people without enjoying earned allowance”
The official said “this is exploitation that places students at the receiving end. There is no way you can give your best when carrying out the function that seven of people are supposed to carry out”.
He added that the “Union has shown considerable understating and tolerance but signs are obvious that government is not prepared to employ new staff to lessen their burden despite increased budgetary allocation from the Federal Government”
One of the Heads of the Institutions who spoke to Trill Times News on the phone confirmed the development and humbly appealed to the union to shove its planned strike
He said Gov Mutfwang has demonstrated genuine commitment to improving the fortunes of various institutions. He said Gov Mutfwang is the first governor that implemented new minimum wage to tertiary institutions in the country.
He appealed to the union to key into the Time Is Now vision of Gov Mutfwang and suspend the strike
On the issue of employment, he said everything has been concluded and very soon appointment letters will be issued. He listed the recent constitution of governing councils as a demonstration of the governor’s determination to do things correctly.
Furthermore, “Gov Mutfwang is workers friendly and is genuinely desirous of making our institutions one of the best in Nigeria”, he said
He emphasized that Gov Mutfwang does not wants the institutions to lose the newly accredited courses in various institutions
If JUASTI abi JUPTI like make dem all resign from work voluntarily, Mut no go do anything. Check his records from LG level. What’s his record? Una support am when him sacked the vibrant newly employed in 2023. Why una no go strike to show solidarity? Mitcheeeeeeeeeew