Gombe tertiary onstitutions shut down as Joint Union begins indefinite strike

The meeting ended without a concrete and verifiable proposal to resolve the dispute, the union said, adding that government representatives requested more time to address the issues.

JOUGTIN explained that its leadership could not independently approve another extension because such a decision would require consultation with the congresses of its constituent unions. It said the congresses had unanimously directed that an indefinite strike should begin if the government failed to meet the demands within the agreed timeframe.

Among the outstanding demands are the implementation of the N30,000 and N70,000 national minimum wage provisions, including the consequential adjustments arising from them. The unions are also seeking the implementation of approved 25 per cent and 35 per cent CONPCASS/CONTISS salary adjustments, as well as the approved 2024 salary structure.

The workers are further demanding payment of outstanding salary adjustments linked to the minimum wage provisions, approved wage awards, palliatives and other relief measures introduced to ease the financial burden associated with the removal of the fuel subsidy.

Other unresolved issues include annual salary increments that have allegedly remained unpaid for more than eight years and the implementation of approved CATA and CONTTA allowances for employees of public tertiary institutions.

The joint union maintained that the strike followed several attempts to secure a settlement and was not declared without sufficient notice or opportunities for negotiation.

It said the expiration of the agreed period without meaningful progress, followed by another request for additional time, left its leadership with the responsibility of implementing the collective decision of its members.

While acknowledging that the industrial action could affect students, parents and other stakeholders, JOUGTIN insisted that resolving the outstanding demands was necessary to protect workers’ welfare and promote stability in the state’s tertiary education system.

The union urged members of its affiliated organisations to remain united, peaceful and disciplined throughout the strike, while complying with directives from their respective unions.

It also maintained that its doors remained open to genuine negotiations, provided the government was prepared to make clear, measurable and verifiable commitments towards settling the dispute.

JOUGTIN called on the Gombe State Government to take urgent action on the outstanding demands, stressing that a resolution would serve the interests of workers, students, tertiary institutions and the wider state community.

The union reaffirmed its commitment to staff welfare, institutional stability and the long-term development of tertiary education in Gombe State.