The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has announced plans to embark on a three-day warning strike beginning Wednesday, citing the non-payment of four months’ withheld salaries as directed by President Bola Tinubu.
President Tinubu had directed in October 2023 that university workers, who had engaged in a prolonged strike in 2022, be paid four months’ salary. However, the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari had enforced the “No work, no pay” policy, resulting in the non-payment of salaries during the strike period.
While members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have received payment for the four months as directed by the president, NAAT members are yet to receive theirs.
In a statement signed by NAAT President Ibeji Nwokoma, the union explained that the decision to embark on the warning strike was made at its National Executive Council emergency virtual meeting.
The statement outlined the dates of the strike, from Wednesday, March 20 to Friday, March 22, 2024, with a nationwide protest on the first day. The purpose of the strike is to demand the payment of withheld salaries, which NAAT asserts was approved by the Presidency.
Nwokoma expressed disappointment in the government’s failure to fulfill its promises despite assurances given at a stakeholders’ meeting and subsequent appeals for equity, fairness, and justice.
The NAAT president called on the Federal Government to take necessary action to address the issue promptly, warning that any disruption of academic activities in universities would be attributed to the government’s inaction.