The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has insisted that its members should receive the same allowances as members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in ongoing negotiations with the Federal Government.
Speaking in Geneva, Switzerland, NASU General Secretary Peters Adeyemi said non-academic workers face the same economic challenges as academic staff and should not be excluded from improved welfare packages.
According to him, the union rejected the government’s proposed 30% increase in allowances, arguing that it falls short of the 40% increase reportedly approved for ASUU members.
“We all buy from the same market and pay the same fuel prices,” Adeyemi said.
He stressed that non-academic staff play vital roles in universities and deserve fair treatment when it comes to salaries, allowances, and other benefits.
NASU Nearing End Of Negotiations
Adeyemi revealed that discussions between the union and the Federal Government have made significant progress and are approaching the final stage in the university sector.
He added that the outcome of the talks is expected to influence similar negotiations involving workers in polytechnics and colleges of education.
The union leader also accused the government of delaying the implementation of agreements reached with workers, warning that such actions often contribute to industrial disputes in tertiary institutions.
While reaffirming NASU’s commitment to dialogue, Adeyemi urged the government to negotiate in good faith and honour agreements reached with labour unions.
He expressed optimism that the ongoing talks would produce a positive outcome that improves the welfare of non-academic staff across federal tertiary institutions.
Source: Adapted from a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
