JAC OF ACADEMIC AND NON-ACADEMIC STAFF UNIONS OF TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS THREATENED TO EMBARK ON STRIKE IN BAUCHI 21-11-24
By Sadiq Aminu Joint action Committee JAC of Academic and Non-academic Staff Unions of some selected Bauchi State owned tertiary institutions have given 21 days ultimatum to the state government to implement the national new minimum wage and other demands.
The Unions expressed concern over some deductions from their salaries and urged for the review of the new pension scheme where civil servants will contribute 8% and the state government 10%.
The state’s JAC Chairman Engineer Abubakar Ahmed who gave the indication in Bauchi during a press briefing said failure of the government to address their demand they would be left with no other option but to embark on industrial action.
“… the 21 day ultimatum to the government of Bauchi state starting from today, Tuesday November 19th, 2024… for implementation of the new minimum wage for all workers in tertiary institutions ie, CONPCASS CONTEDISS…” He expanciate.
Engineer Abubakar Ahmed said it is high time to implement the new national minimum wage for the staff of such institutions because of their dedication to duties and the hardship being experienced as a result of the economic hardships.
He noted that failure of the State government to implement the national minimum wage would also affect the quality of education, the risk of brain drain as well as financial hardship as the current take home is inadequate and non sustaining.
Others are erosion of staff morale and retaintion, widespread discontent and decision as well as loss of status and accreditation, because for courses to be accredited high profile numbers of staff are required.
While showing concerns over the pension scheme, the state JAC Chairman expressed fear over its sustainability, management of the funds as well as timely remittance to avoid repeat of past failures where retirees faced delay to access their benefits.
“…..we urged the government of Bauchi state to take proactive measures to address these concerns before fully implementing the contributory pension scheme”. Engineer Abubakar Ahmed said.
He appealed to the state government to establish a robust frame work for monitoring, stringent oversight for pension fund management, engage civil servants representatives, considering adjustment to existing deductions as well as increase employer’s contribution to 17%.
“.…workers in Bauchi state are currently subjected to several mandatory deductions from their salaries which include 2% for health contribution, 1% for orphans and vulnerable children funds, 2.5% for the national housing fund…” He explained.
Africa247 gathered that the affected tertiary institutions are Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi, AD Rufai College of Education, Legal and General Studies, Misau, Bauchi State College of Agriculture, Aminu Sale College of Education, Azare and Adamu Tafawa Balewa College of Education Kangere.