The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnic has declared plans for a three-day warning strike in response to what it describes as a danger to its members’ career growth.
This was stated in a letter addressed to the Ministry of Labour, the National Board for Technical Education, and the Office of the Federation’s Head of Civil Service.
The letter was signed by Nura Gaya, the union’s National Secretary.
The letter, obtained by The PUNCH on Sunday, stated that the union had attempted to engage with the government on the scheme to deprive non-teaching staff of polytechnics career advancement in the public service, but to no avail.
“Our union wishes to formally notify your esteemed office of our decision to embark on a three-day warning strike, scheduled to commence from midnight of Wednesday, January 22, 2025, through Friday, January 24, 2025, at the first instance.
“This action has become imperative to further emphasise our position concerning the ongoing plot by certain stakeholders to unjustly deprive non-teaching staff of polytechnics and similar institutions of their rightful progression to the peak of their careers on CONTEDISS 15 on the ongoing redrafting of the Polytechnic Schemes of Service.
“SSANIP has consistently championed the cause of equity and justice within the Polytechnic system and has repeatedly called for the implementation of career progression policies that accommodate both teaching and non-teaching staff.
“Regrettably, our previous engagements with relevant authorities have yielded little to no tangible results, and the current machinations against non-teaching staff represent a direct affront to these efforts.
“This strike is, therefore, a warning to underscore the seriousness of our grievances and our unwavering commitment to ensuring that non-teaching staff are not marginalised or denied their deserved career progression, which, if heeded, will not in any way be a deprivation to the teaching staff, as both cadres of workers have distinct salary structures.
“We implore your office to take urgent and decisive steps to address this issue and forestall any further escalation.”
The union, however, noted that it remains open to constructive dialogue and hopes that this matter will be resolved amicably to avert further disruptions in the Polytechnic system.
