- It says all university workers face the same economic challenges
- The union rejected a lower offer from the Federal Government
- NASU is demanding the same allowances approved for ASUU members
The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has called on the Federal Government to grant its members the same allowance benefits approved for members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) during ongoing renegotiation talks.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that NASU General Secretary, Peters Adeyemi, made the demand while speaking with journalists in Geneva, Switzerland, during the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference.
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According to Adeyemi, non-academic workers contribute significantly to the smooth running of universities and should receive welfare packages comparable to those enjoyed by academic staff.
He noted that the union is pushing for parity after the government approved a 40 per cent increase in allowances for ASUU members.
Adeyemi disclosed that NASU had turned down a previous government proposal of a 30 per cent increase, arguing that the offer did not reflect the current economic realities facing workers.
He maintained that both academic and non-academic staff are affected by the same rising costs of living, including food prices, transportation expenses and housing costs.
The union leader stressed that employers and service providers do not distinguish between workers when determining rents or other charges, making equal treatment in welfare matters necessary.
Adeyemi revealed that discussions between NASU and the government have advanced considerably and are approaching the final stage in the university sector.
He added that agreements reached in the university negotiations could help shape similar discussions involving polytechnics and colleges of education where NASU members are also employed.
The NASU scribe, however, criticised delays in implementing agreements reached with labour unions, warning that such actions often contribute to industrial unrest within tertiary institutions.
He urged the government to honour negotiated agreements promptly, emphasizing that effective collective bargaining remains vital to maintaining peace and stability in the education sector.
Adeyemi expressed optimism that the ongoing negotiations would result in improved welfare packages for non-academic staff across federal tertiary institutions.
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