The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Akwa Ibom State Wing has given reasons it cannot call off its suspended industrial action soon.
The union had suspended its four-day-old strike after the leadership led by its Chairman, Edet Emenyi and Secretary, Victor Amirize on Sunday, March 20 reached a truce with the state government.
From Monday, March 21, teachers in primary and secondary schools in the state had flung their doors open for pupils and students for academic activities as directed by the union.
In an interview with Straightnews publisher on Wednesday, March 30, Comrade Emenyi said the union could not call off its strike until the state government fulfils its pressing demands.
Read also: Akwa Ibom Public Primary, Secondary Schools Commence Indefinite strike- NUT
NUT had on March 15, declared strike over non-payment of leave grant from 2017 and non-payment of the 7.5 per cent contributory pension refunds to members, among other demands.
Emenyi told Straightnews that the committee set up by government had met once, saying ”We are yet to meet a second time.
”We were asked to gather data on our demands as requested by the Head of Civil Service. Though we have done that, we will meet, look at the data, make suggestions and agree on them. Thereafter, the data would be forwarded to the governor for implementation. After that, we can call off the strike.’’
Before now, the union, however, noted that the suspension was sequel to negotiation between the government team led by Governor Udom Emmanuel and the leadership of NUT, led by Mr Emenyi.
The statement said that the government had agreed to begin immediate payment of leave grants from 2017 and 2018.
The NUT said that the government had also resolved to begin payment of one month minimum wage arrears to primary schools teachers.
“These understandings were arrived; the instalment payment of 2019, 2020 and 2021 leave grant to primary schools teachers.
“Payment of promotion arrears for six years 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 to primary schools teachers. Immediate commencement of 2019, 2020, 2021 promotion exercise to teachers,” it stated.
