By Linda Musa
The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), has called suspended its nationwide 185 day ago strike.
Recall that NAAT in protest against couple of industrial issues embarked on nationwide strike that begun on 21st March, 2022.
Communicate the unanimous decision of its National Executive Council (NEC) on the suspension of the strike, the Technologists in a press statement signed by Its National President, Comrade (Hon). Ibeji Nwokoma, said; “Arising from conciliatory efforts by Government, resolution of the issues with specific timelines for implementation were reached.
“Following this understanding with Government, NAAT as a democratic Union directed all her Branches to conduct referendum on whether to suspend or continue the strike action.”
The statement further said; “The National Executive Council (NEC) of NAAT met and considered the results from Branches today Thursday 25th August, 2022. The result of the referendum from Branches showed that 80.56% voted in favour of suspension of the strike while 19.44% voted for continuation of the strike action.
“Subsequently, NEC came to the conclusion that the demands of NAAT were substantially being addressed.
Consequent upon the above result, calls and appeals by Well-meaning Nigerians, Students, Parents and other critical stakeholders, NEC in session, in the interest of the Nation unanimously resolved to suspend the ongoing strike action for three (3) months to enable Government address all the issues at stake, effective from midnight of Friday, 26th August, 2022.
“By this development, all NAAT members in Tertiary Institutions are directed to resume work with effect from the date stated above. NAAT, therefore requests that Students especially final year project students/Researchers with on-going research activities and other unfinished practical works can come over and would be attended to.
“On the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) position to invoke the No work, No pay rule, NAAT totally reject this in its entirety as we are not the architect of the prolonged strike action but rather FGN’s failure to address all the contending issues promptly. It should be noted that NAAT complied with all laid down procedures before embarking on the industrial action. Therefore, NAAT demands in strong terms the payment of our withheld salaries without delay.
“It is important to state that at the expiration of the three months window period, NAAT will not hesitate to resume the suspended strike action without notice if all the issues agreed upon with the Honourable Minister of Education, on behalf of Government are not holistically addressed.”
According to the Union, some of the reasons it went on strike are: Non full implementation of FGN/ NAAT 2009 Agreement. Refusal to release enabling circular for the implementation of CONTISS 14 & 15 for Academic Technologists.
Non-payment of the arrears of Earned Allowances to our members.
Non conclusion of the FGN/ NAAT 2009 Agreement renegotiation.
Others are; Non provision of funds for upgrade of Public Universities’ Laboratories/ Workshops, Studios and farms.Inconsistencies of Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) operations.The Proliferation and poor funding of State Universities.
End.
