Labour unions criticise Fayose tax regime
Labour unions in tertiary institutions
in Ekiti State have called for downward review of taxes because of the
present economic condition of the nation.
The unions said workers were already
battling with accumulated unpaid salaries, wondering why the government
wanted to make life more difficult for them.
In a communiqué issued after its maiden
meeting under the umbrella of Joint Action Committee of the Unions of
Higher Institutions in Ekiti State on Friday, the unions said the
proposal by the State Government to start implementing 100 percent tax
deduction was “burdensome and totally unacceptable.”
The President, Academic Staff Union of
Universities, Ekiti State University branch, Prof. Olu-Olu Olufayo, who
read the communique to journalists on behalf of the unions, said workers
would vehemently resist the plan.
He advised government to set up a joint negotiation committee with the institutions for a downward review of the taxes.
“The unions frowned on Government’s
decision to start implementing the obnoxious and draconian tax deduction
due to the economic crisis ravaging the nation.
“This action is considered oppressive
and highly condemnable at a period the government should be thinking of
meeting her responsibilities of prompt payment of salaries to her
workers.”
Olufayo disclosed that the Federal
Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti, had paid over N90m to the coffers of the state
government within nine months.
He added, “The Ekiti State Government
should stop immediately the planned deduction of this arbitrary tax from
the subvention/grant of the state owned intuitions.
“The state government should stop
harassing any tertiary institution in the state on tax issue pending the
final outcome of the negotiation between this body and the government.
“During the regime of former governor
Kayode Fayemi, we had the same issue and we negotiated. Project
supervision, journey allowance and hazard allowance should not be taxed.
We are not even getting full value for project supervision. Tax the
basics not the allowances.
“That failure of the state government
and management of various institutions to comply with the above
resolutions of the unions would be vehemently resisted.”
Post a Comment