Plateau State University Branch of the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (SSANU) has declared an indefinite strike over the alleged failure of the university’s administration to pay arrears of the new minimum wage, hazard allowance and other entitlements.
In a statement on Tuesday by the Chairman, Timnan Rimdap and Secretary, Fom Dakwak, the association said the action became necessary at the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum.
“Recall our letter of 21 days ultimatum dated 2 July 2021 and our letter of four weeks ultimatum dated 3 August, 2021, among many others too numerous to mention.
“Due to the failure of the university administration to address the grievances raised in the aforementioned letters, the union embarked on a three-day peaceful protest from 29 November to 1 December 2021.
“Following the expiration of our seven-day ultimatum as conveyed via a letter dated 1 December 2021, we deliberated on the failure of the university administration to mainstream hazard allowance at the council approved rate of N30,000 after receiving funds from the government for same.”
The workers accused the university of failing to pay arrears of the new minimum wage from April 2019 to December 2020 and arrears of Earned Allowances.
They said the institution also failed to address the issues of haphazard payment of salaries and has not constituted a board to manage the staff grade level.
The association said the university has refused to calculate annual leave based on working days as opposed to calendar days and failed to comply with the SSANU NEC decision on the correct payment of check-off dues to the union.
The statement noted that the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Yohanna Izam, has not only failed to address issues of concern but has not engaged the union in a dialogue to resolve the issues.
“We are embarking on a total, comprehensive and indefinite strike action in line with the approval of the national body of the union.
“Consequently, the Vice-Chancellor is hereby informed that SSANU members shall be withdrawing their services with effect from 11:59 pm on Tuesday 21 December 2021,” the statement added.
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