Olushola omogbehin
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has given the Federal Government a deadline to finalise the ongoing renegotiations with its members or face indefinite strike of universities nationwide.
The deadline which is April 30, was contained in a communiqué at the end of a Special National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of SSANU over the weekend in Abuja.
The document which was signed by its National President, Muhammed Ibrahim, clarified that negotiations with the government were still ongoing and have not been concluded, contrary to reports suggesting otherwise.
The union disclosed its concern on what it described as misleading information spreading in the public domain, especially the claims that a 30 percent increase in allowances had already been approved.
According to the unioon, no such agreement has been finalised or signed by the parties involved.
SSANU maintained that it would not accept any outcome that falls short of the understanding reached during the renegotiation process.
“NEC expressed serious concern over attempts in the public domain to portray the process as concluded, particularly through the circulation of a letter suggesting approval of a 30 percent increase on allowances, when discussions are still in progress and no final agreement has been signed by the parties.
“It maintained that SSANU will not accept any outcome that falls below the negotiated understanding reached in the course of the renegotiation process and insists that fairness, due process and collective bargaining principles must be respected.
“Consequently, NEC in session, reaffirms its position by the Joint Action Committee of NASU and SSANU on the final ultimatum given to the Federal Government from April 1 to 30 to conclude the renegotiation process and sign their respective agreements. Should the Federal Government fail to conclude the renegotiation process and sign the agreements within the stated period, SSANU will have no alternative but to commence an indefinite, comprehensive and total industrial action along with NASU.
“NEC calls on all members of the Union across the branches to remain calm, vigilant, united and prepared to fully comply with the decisions of the Union in defence of their welfare, dignity and collective interest.
“NEC in session passes a vote of confidence on the National Administrative Committee under the leadership of M. H. Ibrahim and also reaffirmed its full support for the Union.
“NEC reiterates that SSANU remains committed to the defence of the rights and welfare of its members and will continue to pursue justice with firmness, unity and resolve.”
