The National Secretary of the Union, Nura Gaya, signed a letter to the Ministry of Labour, the National Board for Technical Education, and the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, announcing the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnic’s intention to go on a three-day warning strike over what it says is a threat to the career advancement of its members.
According to the letter, the union has attempted, but failed, to consult the government on the plan to deny non-teaching employees the opportunity to advance in their careers in the civil service through polytechnics.
“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.”
However, in order to prevent more interruptions in the Polytechnic system, the union stated that it is still open to constructive discussion and expects that this issue will be settled peacefully.