By Leonard Okachie
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Abia wing, has has directed its members in public primary and secondary schools to proceed with strike action on Thursday over alleged non-implementation of its demands by the state government.
This directive was contained in a statement signed by the union’s Chairman, Mr Friday Madu and Secretary, Mrs Nnenna Okonkwo and made available to newsmen on Sunday in Umuahia.
According to the statement, the seven days notice served the government to that effect would expire on Wednesday.
Madu said the directive to its members followed failure of government to address and implement its demands despite a 14 days ultimatum with a communique submitted to all concerned on March 28.
He said that March salary payment was devoid of both minimum wage and Teachers Salary Structure (TSS).
The union chairman noted that other unions with special salaries like the Medical and Health Workers Union, and the judiciary were paid with Special Salary Structure in March.
He said that the teachers were still being retired by the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board, despite Gov. Alex Otti’s approval of 65 years and 40 years elongation of services.
“Promotions are released haphazardly without coordination, among others, which are explicit in our communiqué of March 5.
“Non -payment of arrears of teachers in Basic Schools is part of the problem.
“As our colleagues in Secondary Education Management Board have started receiving part of their arrears, it will be justifiable if Basic Schools Teachers are also considered,” their demands read in part.
(NAN)
