Association Threatens Strike Over N30,000 Minimum Wage

The Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions have called on the Federal Government to effect the implementation of the judgment of National Industrial Court of Nigeria on Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Scale or face a national strike.
While calling for “the total review of Pension Reform Act 2014, to allow retirees access their lump sum (100 per cent) as well as prompt payment on retirement”, the organisation demanded “the immediate implementation of National Minimum Wage of N30,000 across the board without further delay to ensure industrial harmony.”
These were the points raised in a communique signed by the acting President of SSAUTHRIAI, Benjamin Akintola and General Secretary, Moshood Akinade, after its National Executive Council meeting at Ibadan which was obtained by our correspondent in Abuja yesterday.
The workers regretted that despite the July 22 2013 judgment of NICN on the skipping of CONRAISS 10, the management of some research institutes has refused to comply.
The agencies which refused to comply, according to SSAUTHRIA, include the National Atomic Energy Commission in Abuja; National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency in Kaduna and National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation in llorin.
The communique reads, “The council-in-session observes that despite the NICN judgment of July 22 2013 on the skipping of CONRAISS 10, the management of some research institutes such as NAEC, NSRMEA and NCAM, among others, are yet to comply.
“We therefore call for the implementation of the judgment for research institutes and to pay arrears, failing which the affected institutes will be directed to embark on immediate strike.
“The council-in-session condemns in totality, insecurity resulting in kidnapping and killings of innocent Nigerians. It, therefore, urges Mr. President to ensure that no stone is left unturned to ensure security, peace and stability in the country.”
The union also demanded from the Federal Government the implementation of agreements reached with the Joint Research and Allied Institutions Unions and Joint Health Sector Unions.