NEMA Staff Union embarks on indefinite strike

THE staff union of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Abuja, has embarked on an indefinite strike.

Head Media and Public Relations NEMA, Mr Sani Datti who confirmed this to Tribune online, said the management of the Agency was surprised to discover that the offices of the agency were shut down on Monday by the action of the staff union without any prior notice.

He, however, said the reasons for the union action were later discovered to be as a result of the Group Life Insurance for the staff, which has already been approved as well as the personal accident insurance which is also being worked at to cover the staff in the course of their duties.

He explained that the current management initiated the process for a new condition of service for the staff which the Chairman of NEMA Governing Council has given a consent and even set up an Establishment Committee which is expected to come up with relevant recommendations.

His words: “The committee has sat three times and received necessary briefings and would soon forward its report for consideration and approval by the council”.

He said the management is making efforts to resolve issues of outstanding claims and have constituted a committee to verify staff claims while payment process has commenced for those cleared.

Datti said the issue of Emergency Responses Team allowances being canvassed by the union has no basis of approval from the salaries and wages Commission.

“The management does not desire to engage in any illegality and this has been severally communicated to the staff”.

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“The management wishes to draw the attention of the staff and stakeholders to note that the strike action embarked by the union is illegal and do not conform with any known labour law or norms.

“The management views the current action by the union as deliberate attempt to sabotage the government,” he said.

Sani said the management would continue to be resolute in its commitment to staff welfare and ensure due process in the discharge of NEMA mandates.

“The staff union is hereby advised to discontinue the strike action as the management is open for dialogue on any issues of concern to the staff,” he said.