Teachers working in primary schools across the Federal Capital Territory on Monday, March 24, embarked on an indefinite strike action over the non-implementation of the newly approved N70,000 minimum wage.
The teachers under the platform of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) said the leadership of the union took the decision after their members received their February salary without the implementation of the new minimum wage.
In a communique issued on Saturday after an emergency State Wing Standing Committee (SWSC) meeting, the NUT described as worrisome, the failure to implement the agreement reached with the FCT area council chairmen.
The union said, “The payment of February Salary by the Councils without recourse to the Union and the New Minimum Wage is disturbing, disheartening, and lacking in sympathy for the plight of Primary School Teachers in the FCT.”
Also highlighting some of the challenges faced by teachers due to the growing economic hardship in the country, the union said the continuous impoverishing of Nigerian teachers would no longer be tolerated.
Calling on the government to take urgent steps towards addressing the issue of the non-implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage, the union urged members to adhere to the strike action.
“The payment of March salaries according to the new minimum wage. Disbursement of six months’ worth of minimum wage arrears as previously agreed.
“Immediate steps towards implementing various allowances, including a 40 percent peculiar allowance and additional salary increases,” NUT said in its communique.
