The Minister of State, Labour, and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha has appealed to the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) to call off their seven-day warning strike.
Both SSANU, and NASU initiated an industrial action on Monday as they pressed for the payment of their salaries.
According to a statement by the ministry’s spokesperson, Olajide Oshundun, the minister expressed displeasure over the unions’ action, which she described as a total disregard for the Federal Government’s concerted effort to address their concern.
She stressed that the Ministry was not officially notified by the unions of their intention to proceed on a seven-day warning strike, a development that the minister deemed contrary to the provisions of section 18 of the Trade Dispute Act.
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The statement read:
“However, when the Ministry got wind of the intended warning strike, it reached out to the leadership of the unions for an emergency meeting in order to avert the strike. Unfortunately, a physical meeting could not be arranged between the unions and the federal government, but a tele-discussion took place between their leadership and the Ministry.
“Consequently, the Ministry suggested another date, Monday 18th March, for a proper conciliation meeting, believing that on the basis of that discussion, the intended strike would be put on hold pending the outcome of the meeting; but this date was rejected by the unions.
“The Minister has always maintained that strike does not serve any useful purpose and should only be resorted to as a last option after exhausting every conciliation effort.
“She appeals to the SSANU and NASU to step back from their hard-line stance and meet the federal government at the table for conciliation.
“The Minister also appeals to all Nigerians to always take steps that are beneficial to the well-being of the country and the citizens.”
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