Polytechnic Union Announces Three-Day Warning Strike

The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnic (SSANIP) has declared their intention to initiate a three-day warning strike starting Wednesday, unless their requests are addressed.

This action stems from concerns regarding an alleged initiative that threatens to impede non-teaching staff career advancements within polytechnics and related institutions.

SSANIP is raising alarms about the revision of the Polytechnic Schemes of Service, specifically in context to the Consolidated Tertiary Educational Institutions Salary Structure (CONTEDISS) 15.

The union pointed out that certain stakeholders in the polytechnic community are opposed to the newly proposed Unified Scheme of Service for Polytechnics in Nigeria, which would permit non-teaching employees to attain CONTEDISS 15, corresponding to Level 17 in the civil service hierarchy.

In a formal letter from SSANIP National Secretary Nura Gaya, the notice of the impending strike was sent to several officials including the Ministers of Education and Labour, the Head of Service of the Federation, and the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, among others, yesterday in Abuja.

The union asserts that this strike serves as a warning to indicate the gravity of their concerns and their steadfast commitment to safeguarding the rights of non-teaching employees regarding their career development.

“The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnic (SSANIP) wishes to formally inform your esteemed office that we will begin a three-day warning strike, commencing from midnight on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, until Friday, January 24, 2025,” the letter stated.

It continues: “This step is essential to highlight our stance on the purported agenda by certain parties to unjustly obstruct non-teaching staff from achieving their rightful progression on CONTEDISS 15 during the current revisions of the Polytechnic Schemes of Service.”

SSANIP has persistently advocated for fairness within the polytechnic sector, demanding the establishment of career advancement policies that benefit both Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff. Unfortunately, previous discussions with relevant parties have resulted in minimal progress, while ongoing actions against non-teaching staff are seen as a direct challenge to these initiatives.

“Hence, this strike is intended as a warning to stress the seriousness of our issues and our determination to ensure Non-Teaching Staff are not marginalized in their pursuit of career advancement, which will not hinder Teaching Staff given the distinct salary structures for each category. We urge your office to take swift and decisive measures to resolve this matter and prevent further escalation,” it added.

“We are open to constructive dialogue and aspire for an amicable resolution to avert further interruptions within the Polytechnic framework.”