The Federal Polytechnic Offa chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has condemned the institution's management for halting the deduction of union check-off dues from members' salaries.

At a press conference in Offa on Monday, Dr Idowu Atilola, chapter chairman, declared: "ASUP is determined to protect members' rights at all costs." He vowed to challenge the decision, which the union views as a violation of its collective bargaining rights.

"Consequently, the union is, in the face of tyranny and mischief, resolute in condemning the contentious communique of the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Offa, and the Committee of Federal Polytechnic Rectors in its entirety. We are also prepared to employ all means necessary to compel a withdrawal of those contentious documents, accompanied by an apology."

The ASUP chairman lamented, "it is most troubling that the architects of this malicious attack on the union are former leaders of the union in various capacities, which calls their membership into question.

"Without mincing words, the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Offa, has acted in a most disappointing manner. Having served as a former chairman of the union and contested twice for the position of ASUP President, he ought to be better informed than to undertake actions that would undermine the union."

According to him, "it must also be made clear that it is the opinion of the union that the conduct of the Rector, Dr Kamoru Kadiri, is a retaliatory measure against the union's complaints and agitations, which primarily concern maladministration."

ASUP further argued that the Committee of Federal Polytechnic Rectors "is alien to any known law and therefore incapable of making binding decisions on workers."

"The Rectors' Committee failed to take into consideration that members of staff are employees of the Federal Government. It is on record that the Federal Government collated the consent of all employees regarding union membership during the enrolment into IPPIS," Dr Atilola stated.

Meanwhile, the Non-Teaching Staff and the Senior Staff Association of Polytechnics, Offa branch, in their separate statements, also condemned the management's decision to cease the deductions of union check-off dues from members.