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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) have threatened industrial action against some states over their poor interest in teachers’ welfare, protection and wellbeing.
The NUT President, Titus Amba, stated this at this year’s solemn assembly in Abuja, designed to herald the new year through intense prayers and impartation.
Amba told journalists that many states were still foot-dragging in improving the welfare of teachers, particularly in the full implementation of the financial package, as well as other incentives, such as extension of service year to 40 and years of retirement to 65, especially for teachers in the local government schools.
He said: “We have taken note of these states, and in no distant time, we would take unfriendly industrial actions against them. For instance, states like Gombe and Zamfara are still subjecting teachers to unfair labour treatment. Teachers in FCT had to embark on strike for about three months before their demands could be met.
“We are having a meeting of all the state executive members soon and not too long from now, we will announce our next plan of action. Inflation and cost of living is becoming unbearable for the people and teachers are no exception. We have secured the support of the national leadership of the NLC for such industrial actions.”
The NUT insisted that teachers deserve better welfare and labour treatment considering the critical role they play in building the society. “For us, the era of teaching as an all-comers affair is gone. We are trying to ensure the best brains are attracted to the teaching profession through good financial incentives and not those who see the profession as an option.”
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He commended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, for the recent splash of financial and other rewards on some teachers from across the country who had distinguished themselves in the profession.
He promised that such a reward system would continue to be sustained as a source of appreciation and motivation for the teachers and another encouragement opportunity for best hands to desire a career in the teaching profession.
The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, in his remarks, explained that the Congress was already pushing for a special salary scheme for teachers in appreciation of the unique work they do.
He frowned at the state governments that are reluctant to push for a better welfare package, particularly the incentives approved by late President Muhammadu Buhari for teachers.
He confirmed that NLC would be readily available to support the NUT in its push for a better welfare and working conditions for the teachers, who are deeply involved in moulding the destiny of millions of Nigerian children.
Meanwhile, both Christian and Muslim clerics were invited to open the fiscal/working year for the Union through prayers and impartation.
