Striking Taraba SSANU rejects partial offers, insists on full implementation of demands

The striking Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities Taraba State University chapter has insisted on remaining on strike until all their demands are fully implemented.

Comrade Bitrus Joseph Ajibauka, the SSANU state chairperson/JAC Chairman, disclosed the Union’s position in a press statement on Sunday evening in Jalingo.

According to the statement, the union after her emergency congress meeting held on Friday, resolved that the indefinite strike action will continue until full implementation of all her demands is made.

“While we commend the state government for her efforts concerning some of our demands, we wish to state here categorically that the indefinite strike continues until all our demands are fully implemented.

“Congress resolved that the unpaid full salaries of September 2022, unpaid full salaries of October 2022, the withheld 28 of June 2022 salary balance, withheld 51% of November 2022 salary balance, and the withheld 44% of December, 2022 salary balance be fully paid.

“Contrary to the offer to pay thirty million naira for Earned Administrative Allowances, Congress, resolved that 50% of the total outstanding EAA of six hundred and ninety-two million, nine hundred and thirty nine thousand, nine hundred and sixty-five naira and seventy-two kobo (N692,939,965.72) be paid first, while the balance of 50% should be paid within three (3) months, effecting from February, 2025.

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“Congress maintain its earlier position of rejecting the retrogressive application of the Criteria and Guideline for Appointment, Appraisal and Promotions of Senior Non-Academic Staff of 2012 that was annulled, repealed and replaced for the Appraisal Exercise of 2023/2024 year.

“It resolved and requested the state Ministry of Tertiary Education to direct the University management to apply the guidelines for appointments and Promotions of Senior Non- Academic Staff as approved by Council in 2020, that was used for 2020/2021, 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 for the 2023/2024 Appraisal exercise, pending the inauguration of the University Governing Council, for ratification.

“Congress resolved that the Ministry of Tertiary Education should direct the University Management to complete the payment of the balance of 2016 to 2020 promotion arrears.

“Congress commended the state government effort for commencing work on the University Pension, and resolved to go for the State Pension Scheme. However, it suggested for the establishment of the Tertiary Education Pension Board”. The statement read.

The union while commending governor Agbu Kefas, and the state ministry of Tertiary Education for approving and implementing the N70,000 New National Minimum Wage of 2024 as enacted by the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024, and the payment of peculiar allowances, they expressed that her indefinite strike action has no links whatsoever with the proposed peaceful demonstration by students that was averted.

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