The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics has expressed concern over the government’s failure to pay outstanding promotion arrears to polytechnic workers.

The union also lamented worsening insecurity, growing economic hardship, and persistent threats to workers’ welfare across the country.

This position was announced by the National President, Philip Ogunsipe, during the 78th General Executive Council meeting of the union, held at the Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde Hall, Labour House, Abuja, on Thursday.

In his address, the SSANIP president decried, “The prolonged delay in the release of the new Schemes and Conditions of Service for the Polytechnic sector and the failure to conclude the renegotiation of the 2010 Agreement, despite repeated assurances by government officials.

“Similarly, we lament the non-release of the 2023 NEEDS Assessment Funds meant for infrastructural development in Polytechnics.”

Ogunsipe further condemned the recent unilateral submission of the reviewed Schemes of Service by the National Board for Technical Education to the Federal Ministry of Education, describing the action as “a deviation from agreed procedures and a serious breach of trust with labour unions.”

“Some of the outstanding arrears owed to polytechnic staff include promotion arrears, 25%/35% salary review arrears, wage award arrears, and the incomplete implementation of the new national minimum wage.”

The union leader appealed directly to President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene and address the grievances of non-academic staff in Polytechnics, warning that continued neglect could trigger industrial unrest.

Also speaking, the National Secretary of SSANIP, Nura Gaya, urged the Federal Government to act decisively on the challenges confronting non-teaching staff, even as he encouraged workers to remain committed to their duties.

In a similar vein, the National Trustee of the union, Godwin Ikhide, called on workers to sustain peak performance and advised labour unions to remain united in pursuit of common goals.

SSANIP is currently advocating for improved welfare and working conditions for its members, citing prolonged delays in the release of new Schemes and Conditions of Service and renegotiation of the 2010 Agreement.

The union is also seeking payment of outstanding arrears, including promotion and salary review arrears, and implementation of the new national minimum wage.

SSANIP has also warned that continued neglect of its demands may lead to industrial unrest, and has appealed to the federal government to intervene and address the grievances of non-academic staff in polytechnics. (PUNCH)