NIPSS Grounded As Three Unions Proceed On Strike

PHOTO: NIGERIA'S SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT, ALHAJI MAHMUD AHMED YAYALE.

JOS, August 24, (THEWILL) - Activities at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru, near Jos have been brought to a halt as workers in the institute have all gone on strike.

The three striking workers’ union are; the Non Academic Staff Union, NASU; Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions, ASURI; and Senior Staff Association, SSA.

THEWILL gathered that participants of the Senior Executive Course, SEC 31 may have their time extended beyond November when they are scheduled to complete their studies as a result of the strike.

NASU started the strike last week Tuesday and were joined by ASURI last Thursday while the SSA joined the industrial action on Friday.

NASU members have withdrawn services from the kitchen, clinic, gardens including abandoning electricity and water supply plants.

ASURI on its part placed notices at strategic boards at the institute. Titled: "Notification of Resumption of National Strike." It reads: "The National Body of ASURI has directed all branches to resume the suspended strike of the union as a result of stalled negotiations with the Federal Government on salaries and conditions of service of Academic Staff in Research and Development Institutions with effect from 18th August 2010. Members are directed to proceed on indefinite strike until further notice."

The statement which was signed by both the Chairman and Secretary of the ASURI, Dr. Mike O. Maduagwu and Dr. Mrs. O.J Para.