The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has issued a warning of an impending indefinite strike within Bayelsa’s public primary and secondary schools.
The strike is primarily in protest of the non-implementation of the N30,000 minimum wage and outstanding promotion arrears.
This decision was reached during an executive meeting held on October 12, following an earlier three-day warning strike that failed to prompt the Bayelsa Government to take action.
The NUT had previously given a 14-day ultimatum to both the government and local councils to address the concerns of teachers across the state, threatening industrial action if their demands were not met.
The NUT’s grievances encompass the failure of both the state and local governments to implement the N30,000 minimum wage and facilitate the promotion of primary school teachers in Bayelsa. The union also expressed concerns about the hardships faced by teachers due to the non-payment of promotion arrears.
The NUT expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s persistent neglect of the issues faced by teachers, despite numerous futile discussions. They believe that the government’s attitude has only led to humiliation and frustration among primary and secondary school teachers in the state.
According to the union, the 14-day ultimatum took effect from October 13, and if the issues are not addressed within this timeframe, teachers in the state will proceed with their strike.
The strike notice has been ratified by the eight local government branches of the NUT in Bayelsa, with the chairmen of these branches among the signatories to the communique issued after the meeting.
As of now, there has been no response from Dr. Gentle Emelah, Bayelsa’s Commissioner for Education, despite attempts to reach him via phone calls and messages.