Yenagoa—The Bayelsa State Government has faulted the ultimatum issued to it by the State Universal Basic Education Board, (SUBEB) branch of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Primary Schools (NASU) to embark on strike action over unpaid salaries.
According to a report by Punch newspaper, the state government stated that NASU has no power to issue a threat of industrial action.
The government stressed that even if it does, the true practice of industrial relations requires that a notice should be given only when collective bargaining fails to materialize.
Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State said this during a meeting on Thursday with officials of NASU led by its chairman, Otame Alfred and the union’s SUBEB branch chairman, Sowei Aprebo, at Government House, Yenagoa.
He noted that the rules of engagement require the state leadership of the union to give 21 days notice, followed by 14 days notice and finally seven days only in the instance where collective bargaining had broken down.
He assured the academic and non-teaching staff of primary schools of government’s commitment towards putting modalities in place to ensure prompt payment of their monthly salaries.
He pointed out that the state government is not responsible for the challenges facing primary schools.
Ewhrudjakpo revealed that the local government councils are to be held responsible for delayed payment of monthly salaries of primary schools teaching staff.
He maintained that the state government will engage the local councils to see to the end of the problem.
The deputy governor also stated that the present administration places a high premium on workers’ welfare, and would take steps to ensure primary school staff receives salaries at the same time as their colleagues at the state level.
While appealing to the leadership of NASU to be patient with the government, the deputy governor, however, urged them to jettison the idea of embarking on strike action over the issue.
According to him, the government had concluded the exercise on proper placement of their grade levels and steps, adding that the memo had already been submitted to the governor for approval and commencement of implementation.
“Something has to be done about the delay in the payment of primary school teachers’ salaries.
“We will have a meeting with the council chairmen on this issue and work out the modalities to ensure they get salaries when others are getting theirs every month.
“But let me make it clear to you that, it is wrong for a single branch of NASU to issue an ultimatum to the state government that they want to embark on strike.
It is your state branch that ought to give such ultimatum or notice,” he said.
