Kaduna, Nigeria - The Kaduna State Wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has distanced itself from a planned protest reportedly organized by a group identifying itself as the "Coalition of Primary School Teachers (CPST)" over the non-implementation of the minimum wage for primary school teachers in the state.
In a press statement jointly signed by the State Chairman, Ibrahim Dalhatu, and the State Secretary, Adamu Ayuba Kaltungo, the NUT clarified that the CPST is not an affiliate or recognized body within the union and therefore lacks the authority to advocate on behalf of teachers in the state.
"The attention of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Kaduna State Wing has been drawn to a purported planned protest by a so called 'Coalition of Primary School Teachers (CPST)' on non-implementation of Minimum Wage via a Press Conference widely circulated on social media," the statement read. "Coalition of Primary School Teachers CPST is not an organ of the Union, hence, it has no 'Loco standi' to advocate on behalf of our members, be it primary or secondary. Suffice to say that only the Nigeria Union of Teachers has the mandate to speak on behalf of teachers be it primary or secondary school."
The NUT acknowledged the "crux of the matter" – the non-implementation of the minimum wage – stating that its leadership has been in ongoing discussions with the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) on the issue. The union further explained that the State Government had established a committee to conduct biometric verification of teachers and other civil servants as a prerequisite for the minimum wage implementation, a process the NUT consented to due to the importance of data in such matters.
The union emphasized that after wide consultation with its members, it has concluded that its approach differs significantly from that of the CPST. "We do not align with the idea of protest. We understand and consent to the importance of expressing dissent and advocating for our members right through collective bargaining," the statement asserted.
The NUT expressed optimism regarding the current administration's willingness to negotiate fairly, contrasting it with previous administrations. It stated that industrial action would only be considered if avenues for negotiation are closed.
In its "Clarion call," the NUT urged all teachers in Kaduna State to "exercise restrain" and assured them that the union, in collaboration with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), is working diligently to ensure the adoption of consequential adjustments and the implementation of the minimum wage for both primary and secondary school teachers.
The NUT also appealed to the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, to intervene and urge the verification committee to expedite its work and submit its findings before the expiration of the mandate given by the NLC and its affiliates.
This statement from the recognized teachers' union seeks to quell any potential disruption caused by the planned protest of the CPST and reaffirms the NUT's commitment to engaging in dialogue and negotiation with the state government to achieve the implementation of the minimum wage for its members.
0 Comments