Bayelsa teachers plan to go on indefinite strike for N30,000 minimum wage

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has issued a warning on the potential initiation of an indefinite strike within public elementary and secondary schools in Bayelsa. This action is in response to concerns surrounding the N30,000 minimum salary and the accumulation of unpaid promotion arrears.

According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the union made the decision during an executive meeting on October 12th, following an unsuccessful three-day warning strike aimed at pressuring the Bayelsa Government to take action.

The educators issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government and local councils, demanding that they solve the challenges faced by teachers throughout the state, under the threat of potential industrial action.

The National Union of Teachers (NUT) has identified several issues, which encompass the failure of both state and local governments to effectively implement the N30,000 minimum salary and facilitate the promotion of primary school teachers within the state.

According to the union, teachers have faced significant challenges as a result of the failure to provide them with the promotion arrears they are owed.

The National Union of Teachers (NUT) has expressed discontent with the government’s ongoing disregard for the challenges faced by teachers, despite engaging with them on various occasions without achieving any meaningful outcomes.

According to the union, the government’s approach has resulted in a sense of embarrassment and despair among primary and secondary school teachers in the state.

According to the statement, the commencement of the 14-day ultimatum was on October 13. Failure to adequately resolve the identified concerns within the specified timeframe will result in a strike by teachers throughout the state.

The strike notice was officially approved by the eight local government chapters of the National Union of Teachers (NUT) in Bayelsa.

The individuals who affixed their signatures to the communique subsequent to the meeting encompassed the chairpersons of the local government branches of the union.

In contrast, Dr. Gentle Emelah, the Commissioner for Education in Bayelsa, refrained from providing comments when approached, as he did not react to telephone calls and messages seeking clarity from the government.

According to a report by NAN, schools in the Bayelsa region were closed on August 29th in anticipation of an impending flood. The reopening of these institutions has been scheduled for November 13th.