By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
Teachers in public primary and post-primary schools in Akwa Ibom State have commenced an indefinite strike against the state government to press home their demands for improved welfare.
The teachers in a press statement signed by Comrade Victor Amirize, who is the Senior State Secretary of Nigeria Union of Teachers, (NUT), Akwa Ibom Chapter said the strike began 12 midnight of Tuesday, March 16, 2022.
The decision to proceed on an indefinite strike action according to Comrade Amirize was taken after all avenues of negotiations and amicable resolutions failed on the part of the state government.
Within the period, he said the state government could not address the demand of the teachers after 21 working days and subsequent seven days ultimatum given by the Union to government.
The union further alluded that government promised payment of one year leave grant on a compassionate ground and completion of payment of one month minimum wage arrears to primary schools’ teachers could not be actualized.
Before the action is called off, the teachers gave a-9 point demands to the state government.
These include, refund of seven and a half per cent of contributory pension to primary schools’ teachers and payment of gratuity/harmonisation of pension to retired teachers.
Payment of 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 leave grant to primary schools’teachers as well as promotion arrears for six years covering 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.
Others are release of 2017 and 2018 promotion exercise conducted by state Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and appointment of teachers as permanent secretaries among others.
