Polytechnic workers issue three-day strike over career progression dispute

The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnic (SSANIP) has announced a three-day warning strike over an alleged plot to unfairly block non-teaching staff from advancing to the highest levels of their careers, specifically CONTEDISS 15, amidst the ongoing revision of the Polytechnic Schemes of Service.

In a correspondence to the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, dated January 14, 2025, the union stated that the industrial action would commence from midnight on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, through Friday, January 24, 2025, at the first instance.

It accused ‘certain stakeholders’ of attempting to unfairly block non-teaching staff from advancing to the highest levels of their careers.

The letter, with reference number SSANIP/NEC/02/FME/VOL.2/45, and seen by The Guardian, was signed by the National Secretary of the Union, Nura Shehu Gaya.

Titled “Notice of Three-Day Warning Strike,” the union stated that “SSANIP has consistently championed the cause of equity and justice within the Polytechnic system and has repeatedly called for the implementation of career progression policies that accommodate both Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff. Regrettably, our previous engagements with relevant authorities have yielded little to no tangible results, and the current machinations against Non-Teaching Staff represent a direct affront to these efforts.

“This strike is, therefore, a warning to underscore the seriousness of our grievances and our unwavering commitment to ensuring that Non-Teaching Staff are not marginalized or denied their deserved career progression, which, if heeded, will not in any way deprive the Teaching Staff, as both categories of workers have distinct salary structures. We implore your office to take urgent and decisive steps to address this issue and forestall any further escalation.

“We remain open to constructive dialogue and hope that this matter will be resolved amicably to avert further disruptions in the Polytechnic system.”