ASCSN Threatens Strike Against Defence Ministry

The Association of Se
nior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has threatened to embark on strike  at the  Defence Ministry, Abuja if the management fails to convene  a meeting to address  lingering issues on workers salaries and welfare.
In a press statement issued  in Lagos by the union’s Secretary  General, Comrade Alade Bashir Lawal, the union said the  it has issued a14-day ultimatum to the  Ministry to take urgent steps to pay its civilian  employees  allowances  due to them including  promotion arrears outstanding  since 2011.
Lawal  said the union expressed surprise that an institution which prides itself as an epitome of discipline, equity and fairness could elect to oppress and dehumanise its civilian  workers by denying them their entitlements.
The union stated that all efforts to bring the management  of the Ministry to the negotiating table to discuss issues causing restiveness in the ministry had been frustrated.
The union’s  scribe said that it is necessary to emphasise  that if within the 14-day ultimatum the meeting is not called, the national leadership of the union   should not be held responsible if civilian  employees in the Ministry of Defense decide to resort to self help to resolve the impasse.