Tensions are rising in Abia State as unions across tertiary institutions have threatened a three-day warning strike over the delayed rollout of the 2024 Consolidated Salary Structure.
The Joint Unions of Tertiary Institutions made this known in a statement released in Umuahia on Tuesday, accusing the state government of dragging its feet on the long-awaited implementation.
According to the unions, the industrial action is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, March 18, after what they described as exhaustive but fruitless engagements with authorities.
The institutions expected to be impacted include Abia State University, Abia State College of Education (Technical), and Abia State College of Health Sciences and Management Technology.
The coalition comprises several labour bodies, including the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, Senior Staff Union in Colleges of Education, and the Nigerian Association of Academic Technologists.
They cautioned that failure by the government to meet their demands could trigger a full-scale indefinite strike.
Describing the delay as “unacceptable” and “economic injustice” to workers, the unions stressed their willingness to engage constructively.
“We remain open to sincere dialogue and immediate implementation of the salary
structure in order to restore industrial peace and stability within the tertiary education sector in Abia.
“We urge the Abia Government to treat this matter with the seriousness and urgency it deserves,” the statement added.
