One of the workers’ unions in Nigerian Universities, the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) on Sunday directed its members to begin a two-week warning strike tomorrow, Monday, March 21.
The warning strike, according to the leadership of the association was necessitated because of the alleged failure of the Federal Government to implement the 2009 agreement.
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NAAT President, Ibeji Nwokoma in a statement in Abuja, said members of the association took the decision after a virtual National Executive Council meeting to shut down all laboratories, workshops, studios and farms for the period of the warning strike.
He explained that 97.8 per cent of the branches of the association voted in favour of their action, adding that the two weeks warning strike will end on 5th of April.
The association accused the government of failing to honour the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with its members despite series of letters written to the government with no response.
A letter addressed to all branches and signed by its General-Secretary NAAT Abubakar Yusuf, has been sent out in order monitor compliance among members.
The partly read, “Arising from the resolution of the emergency virtual National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held today Thursday, 17 March, 2022, and based on the results of referendum where Forty-seven (47) Branches participated. Forty-six (46) Branches voted in support while One (1) Branch voted against NAAT embarking on a two (2) week warning strike.
“These figures represent 97,8% and 2.2% respectively. After the meeting, five (5) Branches forwarded their results through other electronic means due to their inability to join the virtual NEC meeting as a result of technical hitches. However, the result shows that four (4) Branches voted in favour of a strike while One (1) voted against it.
“In view of the above, NEC in-session resolved and direct that all members of NAAT to proceed on a two (2) week warning strike effective from midnight of Monday, 21st March, 2012 de to the failure of Federal Government (FG) to address NAAT grievances as contained in her letter earlier sent to FG on 14 days ultimatum dated 25th February, 2022.
“During this period, all Laboratories, Workshops, Studios and Research Centres shall remain closed, while farm and field work activities shall be suspended.
“In the meantime, Branches are also directed to hold Congresses on Monday, 21st March, 2022 in the morning to declare the commencement of the warning strike in their respective Branches.
“Furthermore, Branches are directed to constitute monitoring teams to ensure compliance and enforcement of the warning strike.”