The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Abia State Wing has proceeded on indefinite strike over protracted arrears of salaries and poor conditions of service. This was resolved at various branch meetings held on Friday, 27th May 2022.
In a release signed by the State Chairman, Comrade Kizito A. Kalu
and the State Secretary, Comrade Mrs Nnenna Okonkwo, the strike will take effect from Monday, 30th May 2022. The resolution was taken after all avenues for negotiation failed on the part of the state government.
Recall that the National body waged into the issue of protracted arrears of salaries and poor conditions of service on the invitation of the state government. The Union observed with dismay the non-compliance by the state government to abide by agreement of 1st March 2021 with their National leadership.
The union also claimed that the state government could not address the demands of the teachers after 14-days ultimatum and subsequent 7-days ultimatum to clear the arrears or risk indefinite strike action but the state government seem insensitive. they demanded as follows:
- Payment of 14 months arrears of salaries to Senior Secondary School Teachers.
- eleven months arrears of salaries of Basic Junior secondary school Teachers.
- To stop percentage payment of salaries to Basic School Teachers including the skipped months. The records are available. Teachers would no longer accept partial payment of their salaries. The payment of salaries on percentage (that is part payment) has affected the teachers negatively especially with the high cost of living in the country, which has made it difficult for teachers to carter for their families.
- Irregular payment of salaries to Senior Secondary School Teachers.
- Non-implementation of Teachers’ Salary Structure (TSS) over the years.
- To look into non-implementation of promotions, and leave allowances over the years, among others.
As difficult as a strike is on everyone, it is far more difficult for a family that is relying on a bread winner’s salary to have it taken. “We strongly believe that our demands are truly justified and important and we hope to return to work soon” they said.
According to NUT, “the working condition of the teacher is the learning condition of the child”. We therefore appeal to parents, pupils, students and the general public for understanding. The state government’s insensitivity to our flight has pushed us to this point.
However, our members who are involved in the on-going West African Examinations Council (WAEC) are exempted but there should be no teaching and learning.
Members are requested to remain focused and await further directive through our usual communication channels. You are also reminded that a task force made up of NUT, ANCOPSS, AOPSHON and Teacher Volunteers at the branch levels will be on ground to ensure total compliance. We teach you!!! Don’t cheat us”, they declared.
