The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has given the Federal Government a 21-day ultimatum to address its demands, including the payment of five and a half months’ withheld salaries, or face industrial action.
This decision was reached during NAAT’s 56th National Executive Council meeting held in Taraba State.
Some of the unresolved issues include:
– _Payment of arrears of minimum wage_ to omitted NAAT members from April 2019 to January 2020
– _Payment of arrears of 25% and 35% salary increase_ from January to December 2023
– _Inadequate infrastructure_, including dilapidated laboratories, workshops, and obsolete equipment
NAAT President, Ibeji Nwokoma, emphasized that the union will not be held responsible if no action is taken after the ultimatum expires. The letter, titled “Notice of 21-Day Ultimatum to Embark on Industrial Action,” was addressed to the Minister of State for Labour and Employment and copied to the Nigeria Labour Congress and the National Universities Commission.
NAAT initiated an industrial action in March 2022, which ended in August 2022 after a series of meetings. However, the association lamented that all issues leading to the strike remain unresolved, including the non-conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/NAAT Agreement. NAAT also raised concerns about the lack of funds for upgrading public universities’ laboratories, workshops, and studios.
“The honourable minister is to note that upon the expiration of the three-week ultimatum, and without any positive results from the government, the union will be forced to commence industrial action without further notice,” the union stated.
