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By Samuel Luka, Bauchi
The Joint Action (JAC) Committee of Academic and Non-Academic Staff Union of Tertiary Institutions owned by the Bauchi state government have stressed the urgent need to implement the minimum wage and pension act to avert industrial Action.
Addressing a press conference at the NUJ Secretariat Bauchi on Tuesday, the Chairman of the JAC, Comrade Engr Abubakar Ahmed, expressed deep concerns over the well-being of his members.
Given the urgency of the matters and the significant impact they have on our members’ welfare
The JAC Committee said, “given the urgency of the matters and the significant impact they have on our members’ welfare as well as the educational quality and advancement in the State, we hereby issue a 21-day ultimatum to the Government of Bauchi State starting from today, Tuesday November 19th, 2024”.
“We demand the immediate implementation of the new minimum Wage for all workers in tertiary institutions (i.e CONPCASS and CONTEDISS)”, they pointed out.
We believe it is critical to uphold the rights and welfare of our workforce
The JAC insisted that failure to address the pressing issue within the allotted time will compel it to take industrial action.
“We believe it is critical to uphold the rights and welfare of our workforce. We urge the government to act promptly and responsibly to avoid further disruption”, the JAC Committee chairman asserted.
He said for far too long, the voices of his dedicated members who tirelessly work to mold the minds of future generations, have gone unheard.
Engineer Ahmed who said it was time to address the pressing issues of minimum wage implementation in the State, explained that on daily basis, members of staff in Bauchi tertiary institutions dedicate themselves to their responsibilities, driven by a commitment to educate and inspire our youth.
The consequences of failing to implement this policy extend beyond individual workers
He however lamented that, despite the efforts, many of his members are burdened by inadequate compensation that falls short of the minimum wage directive set by the federal government.
According to him, “the consequences of failing to implement this policy extend beyond individual workers; they permeate the educational environment and by extension, our society”.
The JAC while explaining that, when they are underpaid, the quality of education invariably suffers, further stressed that motivated teachers inspire students, create safe learning environments, and foster critical thinking.
Imagine learning under the guidance of a teacher whose mind is preoccupied with worries about how to pay for food or education for their own children
He said that a workers when faced with constant financial stress and inability to meet basic needs, the ability to perform at their best diminishes.
“Imagine learning under the guidance of a teacher whose mind is preoccupied with worries about how to pay for food or education for their own children. This is not just a professional failure; it’s a systematic failure that we must confront together”, the JAC Committee opined.
