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The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) at the Federal University Lokoja, Nigeria, has launched a three-day warning strike to protest the non-payment of withheld salaries.
The Dispute:
- NAAT members, along with three other university unions (ASUU, NASU, SSANU), participated in a nationwide strike in 2022 demanding better working conditions.
- The previous administration under President Muhammadu Buhari implemented a "No Work, No Pay" policy, withholding salaries for months.
- In 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu granted a waiver and ordered the payment of the withheld salaries for all four unions.
- However, only one union received four months of back pay.
NAAT Chair Jibril Oni Ilepinran expressed outrage at the "selective favour" shown by the government. He emphasized that all four unions participated in the strike and deserve equal treatment.
Efforts to Resolve the Issue:
NAAT leadership attempted to address the issue through letters to the Minister of Labour and other stakeholders but received no response.
Following an emergency virtual meeting on March 13th, 2024, NAAT's National Executive Council authorized a three-day warning strike and a nationwide protest starting March 20th, 2024.
NAAT's Demands:
The strike aims to pressure the government to fulfil President Tinubu's directive and pay the withheld salaries to NAAT members.
NAAT emphasizes the vital role academic technologists play in universities. The strike, if not resolved, could disrupt academic activities.
NAAT members also staged a peaceful protest, carrying placards highlighting their grievances and demanding fair treatment.
The warning strike serves as a call to action for the government to address the outstanding salaries and ensure equitable treatment for all university staff.
