The Joint Action Committee, (JAC) of non teaching staff unions in the universities, comprising the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has directed its members to proceed on a nationwide indefinite strike from Monday over the non payment of the four months withheld salaries.
In a circular signed by General Secretary of NASU, Prince Peters Adeyemi, and SSANU President, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, stated that the strike will commence on Sunday night of October 27, 2024.
The circular sent to all branch chairmen of NASU and SSANU in the universities and inter-university centres, explained that the strike initially billed for 23rd October, was rescheduled because of the Trade Group Council meeting of NASU branches on the said date.
It also stated that the strategic change in timing was for effective coordination and for both Unions to be on the same page.
JAC expressed disappointment that despite President Bola Tinubu’s approval to pay 50 percent of the withheld four months’ salaries, the Minister of Finance’s inaction has cast doubt on the government’s commitment to resolving the issue.
This development comes after the unions had given the federal government a final three-week ultimatum to settle the withheld salaries, which expired without concrete action.
“It is on record that JAC of NASU and SSANU has issued multiple notices to the government to redress this ugly situation. However, the sincerity of government to our cause is in doubt.
“However, the Trade Group Council Meeting of NASU branches in the Universities and Inter- University Centres has been scheduled to hold on Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th October 2024 at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, and the arrangements for the meeting already concluded.
“In view of this, the leadership of JAC has decided that the effective date for the strike be moved to mid-night of Sunday, 27th October 2024, to allow the Branch Officers of NASU to be on ground before commencing the strike.
“We have to do this strategic change in timing for effective coordination and for both Unions to be on the same page.
“We express our deepest appreciation for your steadfast commitment to the leadership and we affirm our determination to persist in this struggle until ultimate victory is secured,” the circular said.
Non-Teaching Staff Unions Begins Indefinite Strike Over Unpaid Salaries is first published on The Whistler Newspaper