Unions worry over FG’s failure to implement agreement

The Joint Research and Allied Institutions Sector Unions (JORAISU) of the National Veterinary Research Institute and the National Institute for Trypanosomiasis Research (NITR) in Plateau State have expressed worry over the failure of the Federal Government to implement past agreements reached with the unions.

JORAISU, which comprises of the Academic Staff Union of Research Institutes (ASURI), Senior Staff Association of University Teaching Hospitals, Research and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI), Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Agricultural and Allied Employees Union (AAEUN), stressed that it was unfortunate that its ongoing strike had crippled research activities in the two institutes and others across the country.

The unions’ Chairmen; Dr. Jide Owolodun and Mr. Cyril Mafai respectively, in a joint statement, restated the unions’ demand which include a salary increment of 53.33 per cent approved in 2009, proper funding of the research institutes, establishment of a National Research Institutes Commission, release of the reviewed schemes and conditions of service for the research institutes, implementation of 65 years retirement age for all staff as done in universities and polytechnics, as well as withdrawal of the circular on non-skipping by the Federal Government.

They stated that the strike which commenced on November 15, 2017, had resulted in lack of production of vaccines and other important research activities necessary to improve the agricultural sector.