NASU commence strike nationwide

Members of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU) Monday commenced a five-day industrial action.

“You are hereby directed to embark on a five (5) day strike effective from Monday, 19th to Friday, 23rd August 2019,” SSANU and NASU leaders, Peters Adeyemi and Samson Ugwoke said in a statement on Monday.

“Be informed that the strike is total and comprehensive for the five days.”

The unions had penultimate week issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Nigerian government demanding immediate action on earned allowances and the sacked workers of Staff Schools.

In a circular to all the branches on Thursday, the unions stated that if at the expiration of the 14-day ultimatum if the Nigerian Government failed to address all their grievances, they would be left with no other option than to withdraw their services and shut down the universities.

But in an attempt to prevent a shutdown, the permanent secretary Ministry of Education, Sonny Ochono, Wednesday met with the JAC were the issues in contention were extensively discussed and decisions reached.

Although Ugwoke had expressed optimism that the decisions reached would address the issues, Adeyemi expressed reservations, saying that the government had not shown good faith to the extent that it could be trusted hence the commencement of the strike.

The leadership of both unions also noted that no form of concession or internal arrangement should be made with management while all members must be directed to stay away from their duty posts.

They also explained that the industrial action was as a result of the expiration of the 14-day ultimatum given to the Federal Government.

The union leaders also accused the government of failing to show firm commitment towards resolving the issues raised by the unions, including the payment of earned allowances to members.

They are also demanding university staff schools matter and the renegotiation of 2009 Agreements.