The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) is warming up to embark on a nationwide strike over the non-payment of five months salaries owed them by the Federal Government.
Recall that the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and Non Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) are already on an indefinite strike over withheld salaries.
NAAT leadership has proposed November 14th, 2024, as tentative date to commence the indefinite strike, without giving further notification to the Federal Government, which it alleged has consistently ignored several ultimatums issued on their demands.
President of NAAT, Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma confirmed the proposed action on Wednesday, while addressing a press conference at the headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Abuja.
Nwokoma said it is quite unfortunate and regrettable that despite the President Bola Tinubu’s waiver and approval to pay five and half month salaries owed NAAT members, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy has refused to effect the approval.
He said the development raises more questions than answers on the true commitment and sincerity on the part of the Federal Government in resolving the issues and in alleviating the sufferings of Nigerians, particularly NAAT members.
He said, “It may interest you to note that several efforts were made in the past including series of letters, protests, visits, notices of ultimatums and several Memorandum of Understanding (MOUS) freely entered between NAAT and Federal Government (i.e MOU of 2017, 2020, 2021 and 2022) as the result of efforts by Federal Ministry of Labour & Employment as conciliator of the Federal Government but all to no avail especially the last ultimatum in respect of withheld salaries and other issues which was not even acknowledged by the Federal Government (Federal Ministries of Education and Labour & Employment) which elapsed on the 21 M October, 2024.
“This is the highest level of insensitivity on the part of the relevant Agencies of Government.
“Consequent upon the above, the Union having reviewed the situation critically decided to give Federal Government additional two (2) weeks ultimatum, with effect from 30th of October 2024.
“The National Executive Council (NEC) has directed all her Branches in Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education to hold a nationwide protest to drive home our demands.
“Within the two weeks’ ultimatum, branches have been directed to hold congresses and conduct referendum to decide if the union will proceed on strike once the 14 days’ ultimatum expires on the 13th of November 2024.
“If at the end of the 14-day ultimatum there is no positive response from government, the union will embark on a national protest which will culminate into a total and indefinite strike without recourse to government.
“It is hoped that government will avail itself of this window to resolve the issues on ground, with the view to averting any industrial action.
“This decision is in line with our concern for the tertiary education system so as not to disrupt the academic calendar which will eventually affect research and practical teaching; Laboratory, Workshop, Farm and Studio practices and the attendant monumental loss of resources.”
Recall that NAAT grievances stems from alleged non-payment of five and half months withheld salaries, non-full implementation of the 2009 FGN/ NAAT Agreement, and refusal to release enabling circular for the implementation of CONTISS 14 & 15 for academic technologists.
Other grievances include non-implementation of Students’ Work Experience Programme (SWEP) Allowance, Field Trip Allowance and Student’s Technologist Staff Ratio Supplementation Allowance, non-conclusion of the FGN/ NAAT 2009 Agreement renegotiation, non-payment of the arrears of Earned Allowances for members, non-provision of funds for upgrade of Public Universities’ Laboratories, Workshops and Studios and the non-payment of arrears of minimum wage of omitted members for the period April 2019 to January 2020.
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