FRESH crisis
is brewing between the Federal government and the Academic Staff Union of
Universities, ASUU, over alleged
non-remittance of Union Check-Off Dues
and Cooperative deductions
totalling over N5billion.
This
indication emerged after the National Executive Council, NEC, meeting held last
week in Abuja. The NEC of the academic union had set up committee to advise it
on the request by university administrators for Tax Identification Number (TIN)
from Union branches and Non-remittance of check-off dues and cooperative
deductions. Speaking with newsmen on the issue, the Chairman, ASUU University
of Ibadan, Dr Deji Omole said over N300 million of check-off dues and Cooperative
monies of University of Ibadan academic staff are currently trapped making it
difficult for those in need to access welfare support. He said unions should
not be asked to pay tax by Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, as they are
not registered as a business entity warning that the union may be poised for
another showdown with the federal government if the issue is not addressed
quickly. Omole further disclosed that the NEC of ASUU has resolved to write
Ministers of Labour, Employment and Education to the effect that “the
requirement of TIN for Union dues and deductions is an anti-labour policy which
portends danger for industrial harmony” “The union should re-invigorate its
efforts in insisting that the peculiarities of Universities be incorporated
into the new version of GIFMIS. Check off dues and Cooperative contributions
are a product of already taxed incomes, hence there is no need whatsoever for
TIN”, he said.
Vanguardngr.
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