Activities in the nation’s universities may be grounded for five days from 19th August, as two non teaching staff associations begin warning strike.
Chairman of Joint Action Committee of the Non Academic Staff Union of Universities and Educational Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Comrade Samson Ugwoke who spoke with Blueprint on the planned action, said government care less about the plight of workers.
He told Blueprint that for the past two weeks, the unions met with government on the matter and nothing has been done based on the promise made.
Comrade Ugwoke said the workers are left without any option than to withdraw their services.
On whether the government had attempted to reach them to suspend the action, he said “no, no, no. to my knowledge there is none so far, except the meeting we had two weeks ago and from that; we have not heard any concrete result from the meeting. Even the letter they said they are going to write, we have not seen it.
“There is nothing concrete from government to stop the action, that’s why we should proceed on strike. Our members will withdraw their services totally.”
The non teaching staff in a letter said, “following the expiration of the 14 day ultimatum given to the government and its failure to show firm commitment towards resolving the payment of earned allowances, University Staff Schools matter and Renegotiation of 2009 Agreements; you are hereby directed to embark on a five day strike effective from Monday, 19th to Friday, 23rd August 2019.
“Be informed that the strike is total and comprehensive for the five days. No form of concession or internal arrangement should be made with managements while all members must be directed to stay away from their duty posts.
“Kindly recall the decision of the National Executive Councils of the two unions to the effect that branches that default in compliance should be sanctioned. The national leadership shall not hesitate in this regard.
“You are hereby directed to fully mobilise your members and ensure full compliance.”
