*Delta Labour Unions To Proceed On Strike Action Over Non Implementation Of Reviewed Salary Structure*
By Tobore Akpososo
The Joint Action Committee of the Labour Unions in all Delta State owned Tertiary Institutions of higher learning (Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education) have finalised plans to proceed on a warning industrial action, if their demand for the implementation of the 2023 reviewed Salary Structure is not met on or before Sunday, August 18, 2024.
The Unions in a letter of a Seven Day Ultimatum to Management of the various Tertiary Institutions in the state explained that the impending simultaneous strike action is as a result of the Delta State Government’s failure to implement the 2023 reviewed Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS).
The Unions involved in the impending strike action include the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Delta State University, Abraka and University of Delta (UNIDEL) Agbor, National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), Delta State University, Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), Mosogar, Senior Staff Union in Colleges of Education (SSUCOEN), Warri and Mosogar, Non-Academic Staff Union and Associated Institutions (NASU), DELSU, UNIDEL, Mosogar, Ogwashi-Uku, Burutu and Otefe-Oghara and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) Ogwashi-Uku, and Burutu respectively.
The Unions, jointly led by Comrades Izu Monday (Chairman, SSANU-DELSU), Igbunu Richard (COEASU, Mosogar), Ayewumi Andrew (Chairman, NASU, DSPG) , Ikwu Joel (Chairman, NASU, UNIDEL ), Tisha Ejekanshe Mathew (Chairman, SSANIP, DESMAPOLY), Ughagbe John (NASU, Mosogar), Erikpokpo J.E. (Chairman, SSUCOEN, Warri ), Obogbare Timothy (Chairman, NASU, COE, Warri ) Origho, Ovie (Chairman, SSUCOEN, Mosogar) Umukoro, Oghenekaro (Ag. Chairman, SSANU, UNIDEL), Itemienor Progress (Chairman, NASU, Otefe-Oghara), Baro Courage (Chairman, NASU, DESMAPOLY, Burutu), Eghworo Ovocity (Chairman, NAAT, DELSU) , Owabor, Emeke (Chairman, SSANIP, DSPG) and Oritsedere Lucky (Chairman, NASU, DELSU), had issued a second ultimatum in a letter dated 7th August, 2024 to the Honourable Commissioner for Higher Education, Delta State, Prof Nyerhovwo Johnbull Tonukari to direct the Management of the Tertiary Institutions in the state to implement and pay the arrears of the reviewed Consolidated Salary Structure.
The Unions further hinged the industrial action (strike) on the refusal of the various Tertiary Institutions to implement the reviewed Consolidated Salary Structure despite a 21 day ultimatum and repeated reminder dating back to November 2023.
