College unions threaten Delta govt over salary

Sylvester Idowu, Warri - 02.01.2008

Trade unions in the College of Education, Agbor, Delta State, comprising College of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), Senior Staff Association (SSA) and Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), have threatened to go on strike as well as reject their December 2007 salary.

In a resolution dated December 21, 2007, by the unions and made available to the Nigerian Tribune, the unions declared an “outright strike action should the government remain indifferent to their plights on the Consolidated Tertiary Institution Salary Structure (CONTISS) at the expiration of 21 days notice.”

They said this “should be done after the additional seven days notice have been subsequently served.” According to the unions, all their members were barred from serving in any committee or panel constituted to try members on account of the roles they might have played “in the struggle.”

The unions expressed the belief that further strains of industrial harmony could be averted if they were convinced that the school management was committed to the welfare of workers.

While appreciating the state government’s efforts in the area of staff welfare, the unions warned that failure by government to implement CONTISS and pay accrued arrears would undermine cordial relationship between them and the government.