Tertiary institution workers in Abia State have announced plans to commence a three-day warning strike from Wednesday, 18 March, in Umuahia, over the state government’s delay in implementing the 2024 Consolidated Salary Structure.
The Joint Unions of Tertiary Institutions said the decision followed failed efforts to resolve the issue through dialogue, warning that the situation could disrupt academic activities across affected institutions if not urgently addressed.
In a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday, the unions said the delay in implementing the salary structure had caused hardship for workers and described it as unfair treatment. They added that all avenues for negotiation with the government had been exhausted, leaving them with no option but to embark on industrial action.
The unions explained that the warning strike would affect key institutions in the state, including Abia State University, Uturu; Abia State College of Education (Technical), Arochukwu; and Abia State College of Health Sciences and Management Technology, Aba.
The statement noted that the unions involved in the action include the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, the Senior Staff Union in Colleges of Education, Nigeria, and the Nigerian Association of Academic Technologists.
The group warned that if the government fails to act after the three-day warning strike, it may proceed on an indefinite strike, which could further disrupt activities in the tertiary education sector.
Describing the delay as “unacceptable” and “economic injustice” to workers, the unions stressed the need for immediate action.
“We remain open to sincere dialogue and immediate implementation of the salary structure in order to restore industrial peace and stability within the tertiary education sector in Abia,” the unions said.
They also urged the Abia State Government to treat the matter with urgency. “We urge the Abia Government to treat this matter with the seriousness and urgency it deserves,” the statement added.
