The non teaching staff in Nigerian universities will today commence 14-day warning strike following unresolved disputes with the federal government.
The workers under the auspices of Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU) said the warning strike became necessary to force government to meet her demands.
Our correspondent cited a letter dated 28th September 2020, jointly signed by the General Secretary of NASU, Peters Adeyemi and SSANU President, Samson Ugwoke and addressed to NASU and SSANU branch chairmen informing them of the decision for the action which is a fulfillment of their threat to begin the action as soon as the federal government directs universities to resume academic activities.
The letter reads: “Kindly recall earlier information on the above subject matter wherein it was conveyed that the Joint Action Committee of NASU and SSANU would embark on a 14-day industrial action immediately universities resume following the COVID-19 lockdown.”
“Following the recent directives from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to Vice-Chancellors for the immediate resumption/safe reopening of universities, you are hereby directed to commence a 14-day warning strike effective from 5th to 19th October 2020.”
The unions warned that the action may result into a total shut of the university system if the disputed issues are not address by the government.
The disputed issues according to the unions are inconsistencies in the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) in the payment of salaries of members; non-payment of arrears of earned allowances being owed NASU and SSANU members despite various memoranda of understanding; non-payment of arrears of national minimum wage to our members and non-payment of retirement benefits to out-gone members as lingering labour issues that the federal government has failed to address.
Others are lack of seriousness and delays by government in the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/NASU and SSANU agreements; usurpation of headship of non-teaching units by academic staff in clear violation of conditions of service and establishment procedures; neglect and poor funding of state universities; corruption in the university system and non-constitution of visitation panels for the universities in line with the laws as other developments that are impacting negatively on their members are reasons they are going on 14-day warning strike after which they will embark on full blown indefinite industrial action.
“Please note that this warning strike is prelude to a full blown, total and indefinite industrial action if the grievances highlighted above are not properly addressed. JAC congresses are to be held in all branches on or before Friday, 2nd October 2020 to sensitise members and ensure the full mobilisation and compliance for the success of the warning strike.
“Further directive shall be conveyed as matters progress,” the statement read.
