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Tag: Strike

  • Taraba varsity ASUU suspends one-month-old strike

    Taraba varsity ASUU suspends one-month-old strike

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Taraba University chapter, has suspended it’s one month old strike action.

    This is contained in a statement  by the chapter chairman,  Dr Joshua Mbaver, which was  made available to newsmen on Saturday in Jalingo.

    The statement said that the suspension followed the state government’s acceptance to meet the demands of the union, which necessitated the strike action on December 5, 2024.

    ASUU said the strike action was caused  by the state government’s partial implementation of multiple Memoranda of Understandings (MoUs) and Memoranda of Actions (MoAs) agreed upon with the Union since 2014.

    It quoted the ASUU chairman as saying that key issues under dispute have been addressed by the state government with commitments.

    “We reached an agreement that the government, through the Governing Council, will enhance university funding in line with Taraba State Law No. 4 of 2008.

    “Also, an initial payment of 10 per cent of the total accumulated sum for Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), has been disbursed.

    “Subsequently, five per cent of the accumulated sum will be released monthly, commencing in February 2025, until the entire arrears are fully defrayed,” he said.

    It also said that the government had approved the implementation of a “State-Defined Pension Scheme,” with specific provisions for the prompt and efficient payment of benefits.

    “A template for clearing arrears will be finalised by the first week of February 2025.

    “Membership will be adjusted to comply with statutory requirements for the constitution of the University Governing Council.

    “Government has also implemented the new national minimum wage and consequential adjustments, with a commitment to timely salary payments.

    ASUU added that following the agreements in place and with the approval of ASUU National body, the strike action has been suspended with immediate effect.

    The chapter extended gratitude to ASUU National, the Zonal leadership, and the TSU Congress for their unwavering support, which culminated in the successful resolution of the struggle.

    The chairman thanked Gov Agbu Kefas for his steadfast commitment and proactive leadership in resolving the industrial dispute.

    The union also expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their unwavering support and contributions, which facilitated the resolution.

    ASUU commended the leadership of the Ministry of Tertiary Education and the University Administration for their collaborative efforts that made the resolution possible.

    Recall that the union embarked on an indefinite strike on December 5, 2024 to press for it’s demands.

  • ASUU-LASUED threatens strike

    ASUU-LASUED threatens strike

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) Chapter, on Saturday threatened to embark on strike over  poor welfare package and wage irregularity.

    At a news conference in Lagos, the Chairman of the chapter, Dr Akolade Lapite, said that the members might resort to strike to press home their demands.

    He said that poor welfare package and wage irregularity were negatively impacting teaching and learning in the university.

    Lapite said that the chapter was demanding payment of the approved  25 to 35 per cent salary increase which, he said, was being enjoyed   by other institutions.

    He said the union had been mounting pressure for the payment and had noticed that the institution’s  January 2025 salary template showed increase in its workers’ salaries but with a ‘shocking’ irregularity.

    He said that the template revealed that instead of the 25 to 35 per cent increase, some workers would receive five per cent salary increase and others, eight per cent and 10 per cent.

    According to him,  members of the union  are owed 72 months arrears of salary increment.

    “The system has deprived us hazard and transport allowances that other tertiary institutions in the state have enjoyed since 2013.

    “Government once assured us that it would pay the outstanding allowances but efforts and appeals to make government fulfill its promise have failed.

    “It is worth noting that these allowances are statutory, and colleagues from other institutions have received theirs all along,” he said.

    He described the delay in the payment as unjust, saying it had also caused low morale among the ASUU members.

    Also, a member of the union, Mr Victor Akinola, said that since the university’s upgrade from a college of education three years ago, its infrastructure had yet to reflect its university status.

    Akinola said that the university, which had seven colleges and 25 departments, lacked operational vehicles to facilitate teaching and learning.

    “The staff have difficulty in transporting themselves to the university’s Epe Campus weekly to attend lectures.

    “Some of us who were relocated to Epe campus are still in the main campus because the relocation allowance is yet to be paid, making them unable to hire a house in Epe.

    “The students are equally at the receiving end because a lecturer that spent seven hours on the road can rarely perform optimally in class,” he said.

  • Lagos govt rattled as workers set to begin strike on Monday

    Lagos govt rattled as workers set to begin strike on Monday

    The Lagos State Government has appealed to labour unions in the broadcasting stations of the State Government to shelf their proposed industrial strike action.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the labour unions in the broadcasting stations of the Lagos State Government had served the government a strike notice.

    The proposed strike, which is planned to start on Monday, January 13, 2025, is to press home the demand of NUJ and RATTAWU – that the Government should migrate their members to the mainstream civil service.

    A consideration of the request was initiated through a meeting between representatives of the Government, led by the Commissioner for Establishments and Training, and the leadership of the Unions on January 8, 2025.

    The meeting rose with a resolution that the agitation of the unions would be presented to the Lagos State Executive Council.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, entry into the Lagos State Civil Service has laid down policies and procedures.

    “Therefore, the Union members are advised to rethink their plan to proceed on an industrial action for an amicable resolution of the dispute,” Afolabi Ayantayo, Commissioner, Establishments and Training said.

  • COEASU threatens strike as crisis rocks Imo College of Education

    COEASU threatens strike as crisis rocks Imo College of Education

    The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) has appealed to Gov. Hope Uzodimma to intervene in the management crisis rocking Benjamin Uwajumogu State College of Education, Ihitte Uboma, Imo.

    The COEASU Chairman and Secretary in the college, Mr Wilson Amandi and Rev. Fr. Benedict Amuchie, respectively, made the appeal for the governor’s quick intervention in a statement made available to newsmen in Owerri on Tuesday.

    The union threatened industrial action within two weeks, if the crisis was not resolved. It accused the Acting Provost, Dr Maryrose Nwachukwu, of “abuse of power and award of contracts without due process”.

    It stated that the provost had been acting for 30 months, paying imprest for only five months to Directors, Deans, and Heads of Departments (HODs).

    It claimed that directors, deans and HODs use their money to prepare all accreditation documents and logistics since March 2024 and had not been refunded, despite applying to Nwachukwu for refund.

    It said the provost allegedly procured items single-handedly and awarded TETFund contracts without Academic Deans and HODs’ involvement or due process.

    “She also awards TETFund contracts in the college without following the Procurement Act 2007 guidelines and has awarded over N1.5 billion contract without Tenders Board, which comprises academic deans and HODs,” it said.

    The union further accused Nwachukwu of solely accessing TETFund for Microteaching laboratory equipment without the knowledge of the HOD of the office.

    It argued that TETFund projects executed under her watch were poorly designed, executed and did not follow the college’s development plan. It also alleged that offices and furniture for lecturers, directors, deans and HODs were lacking.

    The union expressed concern that the claims of insecurity cited for the non-provision of the essentials were not investigated.

    The statement read in part: “The academic staff of the college is not considered in the scheme of activities in the college, including project monitoring activities, which she only monitors with TETFund team alone.

    “The college’s neglect and abandonment of projects have made it unattractive to students. Rather than engage other management staff, the provost prefers only the services of the college’s Acting Registrar.”

    The union further accused the provost of terminating the acting bursar’s appointment without reason, forcing him to hand over to a new appointee.

    “Without any known offence, report or directive from the Governor, the provost wrote to the acting bursar to hand over to a new appointee from the Imo Ministry of Housing Corporation.

    “The union reminded the provost that the college is autonomous and not part of the ministry and doesn’t accept staff from any ministry,

    “Also, we reminded her that the acting bursar’s appointment was a political one by the Governing Council of the college on behalf of the college’s Visitor.

    “In spite of our petitions, the provost not only forged ahead with the appointment, but forced the acting bursar to hand over to the new bursar in a shocking manner that involved the Police.

    “Additionally, the provost does not have regards for the college organogram and no respect for hierarchy in the college as senior academic staff members of the college are relegated and ignored in her administration,” it added.

    COEASU said it wrote letters, seeking the State Government’s intervention through the Chief of Staff (General Service), Chief Ferdinard Uzodimma, but Nwachukwu allegedly ignored invitations to meet the governor’s aide.

    “Following her failure to honour the invitation by the Chief of Staff (General Service) for possible resolution of the crisis, the union may be left with no other option than to embark on industrial action,” the body threatened.

    But in a swift reaction to the allegations, the provost described COEASU’s allegations as “baseless”, insisting that “all my actions are based on the directives of the State Government”.

    Nwachukwu told newsmen in a telephone interview that the college, as a state institution, gets directive from the State Government.

    “I take orders from them and they direct me, especially on TETFund issues. The college and other tertiary institutions in the state work with the Special Adviser to the Governor on TETFund Intervention and other services.

    “So, I would not know why someone would come out to say I do all the TETFund projects alone, when I cannot do anything except the State Government directs me,” she said.

    On the issue of the acting bursar that was removed, Nwachukwu said the college did not have a Governing Council and that the “commissioner oversees the affairs of the institution and as such has been on the matter”.

    She asked, “How can I be accused of removing an erring bursar, who went as far as sending threatening messages to me?”

  • Labour suspends strike in Nasarawa State

    Labour suspends strike in Nasarawa State

    The organised labour in Nasararawa State has suspended its indefinite strike action after reaching an agreement with the government on the consequential adjustments of the minimum wage for workers.

    The suspension of the strike was announced at a joint news conference on Monday in Lafia by the labour leaders.

    The organised labour, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), had embarked on strike on Dec. 1.

    The strike complied with the directive from the union headquarters that the union should start the strike in December should their governors fail to implement the new minimum wage.

    Speaking at the news conference, Mr Ismaila Okoh, NLC Chairman, said the agreement followed extensive negotiations with the state government and interventions by key stakeholders.

    “A template has been finalised for the consequential adjustments of the minimum wage for workers on Grade Levels 7 to 16.

    On his part, Mr Mohammed Doma, TUC Chairman, said that the payment of the new minimum wage, including the agreed adjustments, will start from Dec. 1.

    The labour leaders appreciated workers for their resilience, solidarity, and peaceful conduct throughout the strike.

    They, therefore, directed workers to return to their offices and duty posts immediately and take their responsibilities seriously.

  • Lagos health workers begin 3 days strike

    Lagos health workers begin 3 days strike

    The coalition of health sector unions in Lagos State on Wednesday began a three-day warning strike over non-implementation of adjustments to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).

    The unions include the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).

    Oloruntoba Odumosu, Secretary of NANNM, in an interview, insisted that the strike would hold following the expiration of an ultimatum issued by the unions. Odumosu disclosed that a meeting of the union leaders with officials of the state government on Dec. 9 also ended in an impasse.

    “The government officials couldn’t give us a clear timeline for the implementation of our demands and there’s no governor’s approval for the payment. We reported the feedback to the Congress, which was ongoing at our secretariat, and it unanimously voted ‘No’, insisting on proceeding with the strike,” he said.

    He complained that the matter had lingered for long, in spite of numerous attempts by the unions to resolve it amicably.

    “However, it has become clear that the government does not accord the issue the seriousness it deserves. Engagement on Dec. 2 with the Ministry of Establishments and Training further reinforced our concerns as the meeting failed to provide clarity on the computation method for the adjustment.

    “This is particularly concerning given that Lagos state does not operate the full CONHESS structure, nor did it yield a definite timeline for payment. This is especially disheartening as adjustments have already been implemented for doctors since October 2024.

    “This approach, which prioritises some segments of the health workforce while neglecting others, is divisive and undermines the collective morale of health professionals in the state,” he said.

    Odumosu regretted that the government appears ‘indifferent’ to addressing their legitimate demands in spite of the critical roles played by members of the unions in ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare to Lagos residents.

    “The handling of this matter has left us with no other choice but to resort to this warning strike, spanning from Dec. 11 to Dec.13.

    “It is aimed at pressing home our demands for the full implementation of the CONHESS adjustment for all eligible health workers in Lagos state,” he said.

    Similarly, Kamaldeen Kabiawu, State Secretary, NUAHP, decried the delayed implementation of the 25 per cent CONHESS adjustment, especially after the government approved a 35 per cent CONMESS adjustment for doctors in October 2024.

    The strike will affect all state-owned health facilities – Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), general hospitals, and primary health centres (PHCs).

    Members of the unions include nurses, midwives, pharmacists, physiotherapists, dieticians, medical laboratory scientists, optometrists and radiographers.

    Others are dental therapists, medical physicists, health information managers, clinical psychologists and medical social workers.

  • ASUU strike: Students suspend planned protest

    ASUU strike: Students suspend planned protest

    The students of Taraba State University (TSU) Jalingo have suspended their planned peaceful demonstration against strike action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), giving the state government until Friday to resolve the  crisis.

    The National Union of Taraba State Students (NUTASS) President, Aliyu Sulaiman on Tuesday, while briefing newsmen in Jalingo, called on the state  government to act swiftly to resolve the crisis and ensure students return to class without further delays.

    The students earlier planned a peaceful protest by Monday  to register their frustration caused by the ongoing strike by ASUU.

    Nungamiya  Lodiya, Chairman of the Joint Campus Council of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Taraba Chapter, stated that while they agreed to the postponement,  the students would shut down all  roads within the state,  if the crisis was not resolved.

    Also speaking, Comrade Rose Agada,  President of the Students Union Government (SUG) of the university, expressed frustration, stating that students were unfairly bearing the brunt of the standoff between the government and lecturers.

    Meanwhile, Mr. Norbert Abeh, a representative of the Students Representative Assembly (SRA)appealed to both the state government and the striking union to resolve their differences in the interest of the students.

    It will be recalled that the Academic Staff Union  of Universities, ASUU Taraba chapter began an indefinite strike on December 5, 2024, disrupting examinations and finalyear academic activities.

    The union cited unmet demands by the Taraba government as the reason for its strike action.

  • LASU staff begin indefinite strike

    LASU staff begin indefinite strike

    The Joint Action Committee of the Academic and Non-Academic staff of Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo has declared an indefinite strike from Monday (today).

    Their demands from the Lagos State Government, their employer, includes increase in salary and addressing salary disparities between LASU and other universities in the state,

    It also includes payment of 20 percent salary increase as promised by the governor during his election campaign.

    Others include payment of 20 per cent and 35 per cent agreement reached between the Federal Government and university workers.

    The unions involved include the LASU Chapters of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU).

    Also involved are the LASU Chapters of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).

    Mr Justice Obafemi, the Chairman, NASU-LASU, said that the genesis of the industrial action was the promised 20 per cent salary increase made by the Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos during his electioneering campaign.

    Obafemi said that after the election, the governor only paid the civil servants at Alausa Secretariat, neglecting the staff of the tertiary institutions.

    “They used us, and in spite of our active contributions and efforts we made during the election, they have not fulfilled their promise.

    “There is also disparity in payment of salaries between LASU and the other two state-owned tertiary institutions.

    “Even before Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED), and Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) transmuted to universities, their staff were earning more than LASU staff,” the NASU chairman said.

    Obafemi added that when the administration came on board as new leaders, the unions wrote to the state government to look into the disparities.

    “Also, the 20 per cent and 35 per cent agreement reached between federal government and university workers.

    “We set up a committee to look into it and sent all our requests to the government to harmonise salaries of all the academic institutions in the state.

    “We had several meetings with the Lagos State Ministry of Tertiary Education and Ministry of Establishment and Training.

    “Also, the LASU management tried to step into the matter. The vice-chancellor has pleaded severally but we cannot continue to sacrifice the welfare of our union members,” Obafemi said.

    Prof Ibrahim Bakare, Chairman of ASUU-LASU, said that the unions were more interested in peace, adding that the action was an agitation for staff welfare.

    Bakare said that all unions in the institution decided to come together and collaborate to get to where they were today.

    “We are being civil and not disrespecting the Senate of the university. We will remain calm for the government to address our demands and call us for a meeting,” he said.

    Mr Seyi Lawal, Chairman, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU-LASU, said that it had discussed and given the government several ultimatums to address and meet its demands.

    Lawal said that the government had been playing games with them, so the unions decided to take action by calling for an indefinite strike.

    “We have not even gotten to the stage of payment of minimum wage, we want the government to address these demands first,” he said.

    Mrs Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile, Coordinator, Centre for Information and Public Relation, LASU, said in a statement that the institution’s Senate had declared a Christmas and New Year break for the students and staff.

    She said that the break started today till Jan. 5, 2025, adding that all university activities, including lectures and socio-academic events, would resume on Jan. 6, 2025.

    “All students residing in the university’s hostels across all campuses (Ojo, LASUCOM, Epe and Badagry) are required to vacate the hostels within 48 hours.

    “The university management appreciates the support and dedication of staff and students throughout the year and wishes everyone a joyous Christmas and a prosperous New Year,” Thomas-Onashile said.

  • HoS addresses Benue striking judiciary workers

    HoS addresses Benue striking judiciary workers

    The Benue State Head of Service (HoS), Dr Agbogbo Ode, has said that all categories of Benue workers would benefit from the N75,000 new minimum wage.

    Ode said this on Monday in Makurdi while stressing that the judiciary workers delayed in supplying necessary information to the committee for inclusion.

    The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Benue branch, on December 6th directed all members to embark on an indefinite strike over the non-implementation of the new minimum wage.

    They relied on the directives of their Central Working Committee (CWC) and National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigena Labour Congress (NLC) to embark on an indefinite strike.

    But Ode said all Benue workers were included in the new minimum wage, adding that the judiciary workers were responsible for the delay in the implementation of their own.

    The HoS explained that he had directed all organs to make former requests but JUSUN complied late.

    He further said that even when they submitted their request and the template was applied, they disagreed with the technical committee over figures that it was not the same with their own but refused to notify him about it.

    Ode further said that instead of meeting him over it, they went and announced an indefinite strike.

    The HoS said that the leadership of the union was already meeting with the technical committee and the report would be submitted to him by 12 noon on Monday.

    He said if the difference was within his approval limit, he would immediately approve it, but if it was beyond him, the governor would act accordingly.

    Ode emphasised that the judiciary workers would all receive their November minimum wage like other workers in the state.

  • Magistrates in Cross River give condition to end strike

    Magistrates in Cross River give condition to end strike

    Magistrates in Cross River have threatened to embarked on an indefinite strike on Monday over alleged poor welfare and other conditions of service.

    This is contained in a release jointly signed by Godwin Onah, Cross River Chairman of Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN) and his Secretary, Solomon Abuo on Sunday.

    In the document, the Magistrates noted that the strike will not cease until their demands are met by the government.

    They had earlier embarked on a 3-day warning strike to press home their demands and also warned that they will commence an indefinite industrial action should the government fail to meet their demands.

    They said that the government has failed to implement their promotions and see to their overall welfare and working environment.

    According to the statement dated December 8, following the expiration of the warning strike, the magistrates have decided to embark on indefinite strike from Monday, December 9.

    “Furthermore, sequel to our letter to the Governor of Cross River State dated 11th November, 2024, where  the notice of strike, was extended to Friday 22nd November, 2024 to enable the State Government to attend to our demands, and having failed to do so till date, we hereby issue this bulletin.

    “In line therefore, with our congress resolution to proceed on a three days warning strike Is hereby declared by the state chapter of the Magistrates.

    “This action in the first instance, will be  effective from 6am of Wednesday, 27th November 2024 to Friday , 29™ November, 2024.

    “If the state government fails to meet our demands, an indefinite strike shall be embarked upon until all our demands are fully met.”

    Before the warning strike, the magistrates had earlier in November issued a seven days ultimatum to the state government to effect promotion for its members that have remained stagnant since 2015.

    The magistrates also decried the payment of N15,000 as monthly  impress to magistrates in the state when compared to magistrates in neighbouring states that receive between N200,000 and N250,000 monthly.

    While also demanding for the rehabilitation of magistrate courts across the state, the association further condemned the government for none provision of official vehicles to it members.

    It further demanded immediate implementation of promotion and regularisation of magistrates in the  state with necessary financial benefits across all cadres as well as the implementation of all accrued arrears.