The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of non-teaching staff unions in Nigerian universities has resumed negotiations with the Federal Government following the suspension of its indefinite strike.
JAC comprises the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU).
The unions had embarked on an indefinite strike on April 30 over delays in the renegotiation of agreements with the Federal Government.
The industrial action was suspended on May 11 after interventions and assurances from the Federal Government Expanded Tertiary Institutions Renegotiation Committee.
The unions are demanding the conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, improved welfare packages, payment of allowances, and the rejection of unilateral salary proposals by the government.
SSANU National President, Mohammed Ibrahim, confirmed the resumption of talks during a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Monday.
Ibrahim, who also chairs JAC, said negotiations resumed at the headquarters of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
“We have resumed discussions today and expect to conclude the process, including signing of agreements, within two weeks,” he said.
According to him, the unions have demanded a minimum salary increase of 40 percent.
“We rejected the government’s 30 per cent offer, and it has been withdrawn. Our demand remains a minimum of 40 per cent,” Ibrahim stated.
He explained that government representatives requested additional time to review figures, benchmarks, and related issues before returning with a fresh proposal.
“They need to review the figures, yardsticks and other issues. We told them to do whatever they need to do, but not to come back with less than 40 per cent,” he added.
Despite expressing optimism that negotiations would be concluded within the agreed timeline, Ibrahim warned that the unions could resume the suspended strike if no agreement is reached after two weeks.
“The mandate from our members is clear if nothing is concluded after two weeks, the strike will resume,” he said.
