Varsity Workers Demand Immediate Payment Of Withheld Salaries

National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) yesterday demanded immediate payment of its members’ withheld salaries and other outstanding arrears.

The union also expressed concern over the prolonged delay in addressing critical issues affecting its members, including the new national minimum wage.

A statement issued by the union’s national president, Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma, in Abuja, highlighted the non-payment of five and a half months’ withheld salaries despite assurances given by the federal government at their previous meetings.

The union also lamented the non-payment of 25% and 35% salary increment arrears, occupational hazard and responsibility allowance, and earned allowance arrears, as agreed upon in Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) from 2020, 2021, and 2022.

According to Nwokoma, no progress has been made months after the union engaged in discussions with government representatives, including the minister of education, Professor Tahir Mamman, that led to the suspension of its three-day warning strike in March 2024.

He pointed out that NAAT’s National Executive Council (NEC) has decided to pursue diplomacy and advocacy. However, he warned that if these efforts fail, the issue will be escalated during the regular NEC meeting scheduled for July 2024.

In addition to the salary-related issues, NAAT expressed concern about the delay in transmitting the new National Minimum Wage Bill to the National Assembly.

The union condemned state governors who claim inability to pay the proposed N62,000.00 minimum wage, stating that they intend to undermine workers’ contributions to wealth creation.

NAAT called on the governors’ forum to reconsider their position and adhere to constitutional provisions regarding minimum wage.

The statement reads, “NAAT once again, wishes to call on well-meaning Nigerians, religious leaders, traditional rulers, National Assembly leadership, parents and students’ leadership to prevail on government and ensure implementation of all the outstanding issues mentioned above for a sustainable industrial harmony.

NAAT is concerned and worried about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s continuous delay in transmitting the new National Minimum Wage Bill to the National Assembly.”