The ongoing indefinite strike declared by Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) which entered day-three on Wednesday, has continued to paralyse activities at offices of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) across Nigeria
Edu-Biznews gathered that negotiation between management of the examimation council and leadership of NASU ended in a deadlock, as both parties failed to shift ground, hence the continuation of the strike on Thursday
It was learnt from a top official of the union that the management was only willing to review the initial offer of 25 percent increase in salary to 27 percent but NASU is insisting on the 30 percent
The management according to the union, is calling for suspension of the industrial action without demonstrating its commitment to agreement with NASU
NASU led by its Deputy President, for Examimation Bodies and Libraries Trade Group, Comrade Sunday Obabunmi and WAEC Abeokuta branch chairman of the union, Comrade Olanrewaju Afees had mobilized members on a peaceful demonstration, displaying placards with various bold inscriptions on Monday, blocking main entrance of the Ogun State office of the examimation council at Onikolob Road in the capital city
The situation is the same at WAEC offices across the country
NASU had accused management of WAEC of imposition of 25% Salary Review on staff, contrary to the 30% increment agreed at the tripartite meeting with the union
The ongoing situation at WAEC Nigeria according to NASU , has become a clear example of a breach of trust, undermining collective bargaining, labour laws, and workers’ rights. Despite an agreement between the Presidency and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) for a 135% minimum wage increase, WAEC management has unilaterally imposed a 25% salary review across all cadre/levels (ECSS 1-17), without consulting or reaching an agreement with the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) or the Senior Staff Association (SSA).
"This action flagrantly violates the principles of collective bargaining, which stress negotiation and mutual agreement between employers and employees. By imposing this salary review without union input, management has destroyed workers’ trust and confidence"
The union disagreed with the management’s assertion that WAEC is financially unable to implement the recommended 30% salary increase, saying the assertion is not only unfounded but deceptive.
The union accused the Finance Department of the council of failing to provide an accurate financial report to the Salary Review Committee, opting for statement that misrepresents WAEC’s financial status.
NASU called on WAEC management to immediately reverse what it described as the unilateral 25% salary review and returns to the negotiating table with the Union.
The union insisted that this is the only way to restore trust and ensure the protection of its members’ rights.
NASU expressed deep concern over the conduct of management during a recent virtual Town Hall Meeting, where the union accused the Head of National Office (HNO) of WAEC of issuing threats to staff, warning them of severe consequences if they refused to accept the 25% salary review or engaged in any industrial action.
"His authoritarian tendencies and selfish conduct over the past year demonstrate a troubling shift towards despotism within the organization"
Given these developments, NASU REJECTS the implementation of 25% of salary review in WAEC, which was unilaterally done by the management. The Union’s DEMANDS a full implementation of the 30% salary review as agreed by the Tripartite Committee on Salary Review.
NASU headquarters had on Monday 9th of December , 2024 declared nation-wide strike to compel the management of the examination council to do the needful, after it failed to respond to the demand of the union in its warning letter to the Head of National Office dated 29th November 2024, which expired on Friday ,the 6th of December , 2024
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