The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) is set to continue renegotiation discussions with the Federal Government today following the suspension of its indefinite strike action.
The meeting between the unions and the Federal Government Expanded Renegotiation Committee is expected to take place at the National Universities Commission (NUC) headquarters in Abuja.
SSANU and NASU had commenced an indefinite strike on April 30 after the Federal Government failed to conclude the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement before the expiration of a one-month ultimatum issued by the unions. The industrial action was later suspended after both parties agreed to finalize negotiations within a two-week period.
Confirming the resumption of talks, SSANU National President and JAC Chairman, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, stated that the unions would not hesitate to return to strike if the government fails to meet the agreed deadline.
According to him, both parties agreed that the two-week timeline began immediately after the suspension of the strike and must end with the signing of the agreement.
Ibrahim explained that the unions had proposed a minimum salary increase of 40 percent and rejected the government’s earlier offer of 30 percent, which has now been withdrawn.
He noted that the government requested time to review its figures and internal considerations, but stressed that the unions would not accept any revised offer below the 40 percent benchmark.
Beyond the CONTTA salary structure, Ibrahim added that discussions would also cover other unresolved issues, including conditions of service and alleged usurpation of duties.
He maintained that union leaders had received a clear mandate from members to resume the suspended strike immediately if negotiations are not concluded within the agreed timeframe.
The unions are demanding a salary increment of at least 40 percent as well as the resolution of other pending issues contained in the renegotiation agreement.
In a circular issued after last week’s meeting with government representatives, JAC stated that it agreed to suspend the strike based on assurances from the Federal Government Expanded Renegotiation Committee that all pending negotiations, including a revised CONTTA proposal, would be concluded within two weeks from the date the strike was suspended.
