The Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), affiliated with the Trade Union Congress of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has initiated an indefinite strike due to the management’s failure to resolve critical issues concerning the welfare of its members.
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In a communiqué labeled SSASCGOC/NAFDAC/COMMUNIQUE/VOL.1, issued on October 4, 2024, the dissatisfied workers expressed that the decision to strike was essential after multiple meetings with management regarding crucial matters such as promotions, salaries, and overall staff welfare did not produce satisfactory outcomes.
The communiqué highlighted several pressing issues, including: a review of the 2024 Promotion Examination Results, the appointment of Directors for Public Affairs and Special Duties, the establishment of a Training Institute for the North West and North East regions, a reform of the Promotion Examination Content, timely disclosure of APER/PER/KPI scores, resolution of tied Promotion Examination scores, criteria for qualification and conversion in Promotion Examinations, the creation of a Psychology Officer Cadre in line with the HOS Circular, the relocation of the Danida Fellowship and centralization of trainings to PRS, payment of all outstanding burial expenses, life insurance and repatriation allowances, and salary arrears for employees from 2022, among others.
A statement attached to the communique instructed the workers to begin the indefinite strike starting from Monday. It was signed by the Secretary of the TUC, Comrade (Dr.) Ejor Michael.
The press release stated, “This is to notify all staff that, following the expiration of the 14-day ultimatum issued to Management in the Communique of September 20, 2024, and the dithering of Management regarding the issues raised therein, another Congress of NAFDAC Staff was convened on Friday, 4th October 2024.
“After careful deliberation, Congress unanimously resolved to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike across all NAFDAC formations, commencing Monday, 7th October 2024. In view of the foregoing, you are hereby directed to down tools by withdrawing all your services in compliance with the strike action.
“This decision is a result of NAFDAC Management’s failure to address the critical issues outlined in the Communique within the given time frame.
The Congress considers this ongoing inaction insufferable and accentuates that the industrial action will continue unabated until all demands specified in the Communique are fully met.
“In light of this, all staff are advised to remove their personal belongings from their offices, as no one, no matter the rank or cadre, will be allowed entry into any NAFDAC Office (premises) during the strike period.
“SSASCGOC State and Zonal Coordinators are hereby directed to ensure strict compliance with this directive. Dear Comrades, your cooperation is greatly treasured to ensure the effectiveness of this indefinite nationwide strike action. We will not relent until all issues are satisfactorily addressed.”
