- Safiu Kehinde
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Abia state chapter, are set to embark on strike action on Thursday over alleged unpaid salaries and non-implementation of its demands by the state government.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the union’s Chairman, Mr Friday Madu and Secretary, Mrs Nnenna Okonkwo
As contained in the statement made available to newsmen on Sunday in Umuahia, the union leaders directed their members in public primary and secondary schools to proceed with strike action on Thursday.
Madu said that the seven days notice served the government to that effect would expire on Wednesday.
He alleged that the government had failed to address and implement its demands despite a 14 days ultimatum with a communique submitted to all concerned on March 28.
He said that March salary payment was devoid of both minimum wage and Teachers Salary Structure (TSS).
The union chairman noted that other unions with special salaries like the Medical and Health Workers Union, and the judiciary were paid with Special Salary Structure in March.
He said that the teachers were still being retired by the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board, despite Gov. Alex Otti’s approval of 65 years and 40 years elongation of services.
“Promotions are released haphazardly without coordination, among others, which are explicit in our communiqué of March 5.
“Non -payment of arrears of teachers in Basic Schools is part of the problem.
“As our colleagues in Secondary Education Management Board have started receiving part of their arrears, it will be justifiable if Basic Schools Teachers are also considered,” their demands read in part.