NASU, Others Begin Nationwide Strike

Members of Non-Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions (NASU), Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions (ASURI) and Senior Staff Union of Research Development and Allied Institute in Nigeria (SSURDAIN) have embarked on nationwide industrial action to press home their demand for a better working condition.

The Joint Research and Allied Institution Sector Unions in a statement said the commencement of the nationwide strike came after the expiration of 14-day ultimatum to the federal government to dialogue with the unions expired on January 30.

The statement added that with the declaration of this nationwide strike from February 15, 2012, members of the union will not return to work until the federal government accedes to all their demands.

According to the statement signed on behalf of the joint unions, Dr Omokafe Ugbogu said the joint unions are demanding the implementation of the January 2011 agreement reached with the Federal Government.

The joint unions are equally demanding for better funding of the nation’s research institutions to enhance developments stressing that without research there would not be a better development of the country.

The statement also called for the immediate payment of outstanding salary arrears from July 2009 to June 2010, payment of the research and allied institutions allowances, extension of retirement age from 65 years to 70 years as done to members of ASUU.

The joint unions further stressed the need for the establishment of national research and technology development fund to assist the various research institutions.

When The Tide visited NASU office, off Ikwerre Road, the State Secretary, Comrade Oguakaya said, the union is yet to receive formal directives on the nationwide strike.