Varsity workers threaten strike over withheld salaries

The National Association of Academic Technologists has issued the Federal Government a 21-day ultimatum to pay the five and a half months of withheld salaries among other demands, or its members will withdraw their services in universities

Varsity workers threaten strike over withheld salaries

This ultimatum was part of NAAT’s resolutions during its 56th National Executive Council meeting held in Taraba State.

A letter addressed to the Minister of State for Labour and Employment and signed by the association’s President, Ibeji Nwokoma, warned that the union would not be held responsible if no action was taken to address their numerous demands after the expiration of the ultimatum, which commenced on September 30.

The letter, titled “Notice of 21-Day Ultimatum to Embark on Industrial Action,” was also copied to the Nigeria Labour Congress and the National Universities Commission.

The letter stated: “The leadership of the National Association of Academic Technologists wishes to draw your attention to the above subject matter.

“Arising from the 56th National Executive Council meeting held at the Federal University of Wukari on Wednesday, September 25, and Thursday, September 26, 2024, the union is compelled to issue this notice of a three-week ultimatum due to the government’s failure to fulfill the promises and assurances made regarding the payment of the five and a half months of withheld salaries of NAAT members, even after a presidential directive was issued over five months ago.”

The union listed other outstanding issues to include: Payment of arrears of minimum wage to omitted NAAT members (from April 2019 to January 2020); payment of arrears of 25% and 35% salary increase (from January to December 2023); inadequate infrastructure, dilapidated laboratories, workshops, and obsolete equipment.

The honourable minister is to note that upon the expiration of the three-week ultimatum, and without any positive results from the government, the union will be forced to commence industrial action without further notice,” the union said.

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