By Sam Kaye
The National Association of Academic Technologists NAAT University of Maiduguri (Unimaid) branch has embarked on a three days warning strike to press home their demands for five and a half months salary arrears which was withheld by the previous federal regime under the guise of no work no pay policy.
In a heavily crowded rally hosted within the campus of the University of Maiduguri, chairman of NAAT in unimaid Comrade Yusuf Bulus told newsmen that this warning strike will last for three days after which it will be called off to assess the seriousness of the government towards sorting out the myriad of demands of his members.
He said his union was not happy with the shabby treatment it received from the office of the Accountant General of the Federation in Abuja as it concerns memos on the payment of their salary arrears which has since been approved by President Bola Tinubu for all the unions in the university system.
“We want to thank God Almighty for the breath of life and also appreciate our esteemed but humbled members, that despite the fasting periods have availed themselves for this press conference.” he posited.
In a release, he narrated a litany of woes affecting members not only in Borno but in the entire country which actually led to the present industrial action adding that: “NAAT painfully embarked on an industrial action on the 21st day of March, 2022 to press home our demands.
” Among which includes: Full implementation of 2009 agreement, payment of outstanding Earned allowances, release of enabling circular for carrier elongation for CONTISS 14 and 15, upgrade, obsolete equipment and improvement of the dilapidated structural state of laboratories in our citadel of higher learning, re-negotiation of the aforementioned 2009 agreement. “
The chairman revealed that following the intervention of well-meaning Nigerians, like the former Speaker of the Ninth National Assembly Femi Gbajabiamila, the cry of parents and students, the Union resolved to call off the lingering industrial action that lasted 5 months and 2 weeks adding that eventually the strike was called off on 25th of August 2022 with no meaningful progress.
However, “Under the new dispensation of the father of our nation, the Chief advocate of renewed hope for Nigeria, our President Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu and commander in Chief, who granted a waiver on non-payment of the withheld salaries on the inception of his administration. As we speak this executive waiver refuse to see the light of day.
“Despite repeated subtle reminders, in form of written correspondences from the Union, sadly the government remains insensitive to our plights. Left with no choice, the Union unanimously decided to abide by the outcome of the Virtual conference held on the 13th March, 2024, and the outcome of branch congress resolution held on the 18th March, 2024.
“The branch has decided to embark on a three days warning strike commencing from the 20th March, 2024, terminating on 22nd March, 2024.
” In the course of this warning industrial dispute, all laboratories will be shut down, there will be no conducting and teaching of practicals no project works and no conducting of research works.
We want to thank you all for honouring our invitation, and hope you convey our massage to the appropriate authorities.” Said Comrade Yusuf Bulus the branch Chairman, NAAT Unimaid.
Krestnews reports that solidarity songs were sang from the Elkanemi hall where the members clad in laboratory coats gathered even as they marched to one of the gates of the University and the rally ended.
This reporter recalls that the members of the academic staff union of University ASUU have since been paid four months out of the arrears being owed them.