Non-teaching Polytechnic Staff Union Gives FG 14-day Ultimatum Over Unpaid Allowances, Others

The Non-teaching Staff Union of Polytechnics (NOTSUP) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the federal government to address delays in implementing outstanding agreements, issuing implementation circulars and paying staff entitlements, allowances and arrears owed to its members.

The union, under the leadership of its national president, Comrade Shaba Nakorji, said the delay in implementing agreements reached between the federal government and NOTSUP undermined collective bargaining, good-faith negotiations and industrial justice.

In a communiqué issued on the non-implementation of outstanding union agreements, non-issuance of implementation circulars and non-payment of staff entitlements, the union expressed concern over what it described as persistent delays in fulfilling agreed obligations to its members.

NOTSUP specifically called on the Federal Ministry of Education to immediately issue all outstanding implementation circulars, including those relating to the Consolidated Non Teaching Tool Allowance (CONTTA), and ensure the full implementation of all applicable agreements reached with the union.

The union also demanded the prompt payment of all verified outstanding entitlements, allowances and arrears due to non-teaching staff in the nation’s polytechnics.

It further urged the ministry to provide a definite timeline for implementation, issue an official update on all pending matters and convene urgent consultations with the union to resolve outstanding issues.

According to the communiqué signed by Nakorji, the 14-day ultimatum takes effect from the date the relevant authorities receive the union’s formal demand.

NOTSUP warned that failure to satisfactorily address its demands within the stipulated period would compel it to convene its appropriate organs to consider further legitimate trade union actions in accordance with its constitution and applicable labour laws.

The union, however, reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement, social dialogue and industrial peace, stressing that agreements reached with workers’ representatives should be honoured, implementation circulars issued and staff entitlements paid without further delay.

It also called on the Minister of Education to intervene urgently to resolve the dispute in the interest of workers’ welfare, collective bargaining and harmonious industrial relations in the country’s polytechnics.

The union’s demands come amid calls for the timely implementation of agreements between the government and organised labour to address workers’ welfare and outstanding financial obligations.