NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY WORKERS SET FOR ANOTHER ROUND OF STRIKE

The union spokesman explained that the union also met with the officials of the Federal Ministry of Education led by the Permanent Secretary last week, adding that, at expiration of the 14-day ultimatum, Sunday 18 August 2019, without a positive response from the Federal Government of Nigeria, members shall proceed on a 5-day warning strike in all Branches from Monday 19th to Friday 23rd August 2019,”.

Penpushing recalled that, the agitation is coming four months after the Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities (ASUU) suspended their two-month strike, while the non-academic unions, comprising the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU), emphasized that the one-week strike is following the 14-day ultimatum given to the Federal Government.

The union image maker added, “while the meeting appeared successful on its face value, the resolutions are yet to be backed up by any correspondence as agreed at the meeting,” Salaam emphasised.

“Our members, being our principals, have contended that for all decisions reached with Government, there must be a level of corresponding actions that show their sincerity and commitment to those decisions. If the actions do not correspond, we must continue with our agitations,” he added.

Penpushing also reports that, in a similar vein, the union leadership in a letter signed by Chairman, Joint Action Committee (JAC), Samson Ugwoke to members said, “You are therefore directed to properly mobilize our members for this action. All defaulting Branches shall be sanctioned accordingly. Please be guided.”

“At expiration of the 14-day ultimatum, Sunday 18 August 2019, without a positive response from the Federal Government of Nigeria, members shall proceed on a 5-day warning strike in all Branches from Monday 19th to Friday 23rd August 2019,” the letter reads.

Penpushing further reports  the letter noted that  the contending issues include payment of earned allowances, University Staff Schools matter, renegotiation of 2019 FGN/Unions agreement among others.

Meanwhile, the unions had embarked on a nationwide strike on December 4, 2017 following the failure of the government to address their grievances, but the strike was suspended in March 2018, when the then Minister  of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige assured that government would source for N8 billion within five weeks to pay the striking workers.