The National Leadership of Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASD) and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) have issued a joint directive to their members at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) to embark on a fourteen-day warning strike.
This strike is scheduled to take place from Monday, October 5th, to Monday, October 19th, 2020.
The primary purpose of this industrial action is to draw attention to several pressing issues faced by the unions.
In this blog post, we will outline the key concerns raised by NASD and SSANU and shed light on the implications of this warning strike.
Key Demands:
- Non-payment of arrears of National Minimum Wage: NASD and SSANU have expressed their dissatisfaction with the university administration’s failure to settle the outstanding arrears owed to their members in accordance with the National Minimum Wage policy.
- Inconsistencies of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS): The unions have criticized the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) for its inconsistent payment of salaries to their members. They claim that the system has been plagued by errors, leading to discrepancies and delays in salary payments.
- Usurpation of Headship of Non-Teaching Units: NASD and SSANU have raised concerns over the violation of established procedures and conditions of service within the university. They allege that academic staff have taken control of non-teaching units, thereby encroaching upon the rightful roles and responsibilities of non-academic staff.
- Non-payment of Arrear of Earned Allowances: Despite several memoranda of understanding, NASD and SSANU assert that their members have not received the arrears of earned allowances owed to them. This issue remains unresolved, prompting the unions to take action.
Implications and Warning Strike:
In response to the aforementioned concerns, NASD and SSANU have instructed their members at UNIBEN to participate in a warning strike.
The strike period will last for fourteen days, starting from Monday, October 5th, and concluding on Monday, October 19th, 2020.
Members who fail to comply with this directive may face disciplinary actions.
During the warning strike, various services provided by non-academic staff, including administrative and support functions, may be disrupted.
This action aims to raise awareness among university authorities and the public about the grievances faced by NASD and SSANU members.
Conclusion
The NASD and SSANU warning strike at the University of Benin is a result of long-standing concerns regarding the non-payment of arrears, inconsistencies in salary payments, usurpation of non-teaching unit headship, and the non-payment of earned allowances.
As the strike commences, it is essential for all parties involved to engage in constructive dialogue to find lasting solutions and ensure the smooth functioning of the institution.
It is our hope that a resolution can be reached promptly, allowing for a conducive environment for both academic and non-academic staff at UNIBEN.