Published 7th Jan, 2022

By Tola Owoyele

On Thursday, workers at the National Assembly, under the aegis of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), announced plans to embark on an industrial action on January 10.

The workers have also vowed to stand outside the national assembly to protest and prevent visitors and staff alike from entering the premises.

The workers arrived at the decision in protest against the non-payment of accumulated salaries and allowances, among others.

“Well, we have decided to embark on the strike because the management of the national assembly has refused to implement the agreements earlier signed with them in a memorandum of understanding,” a member of PASAN, who asked not to be named, told FIJ.

The worker further said that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that would allow for the full implementation of the new National Minimum Wage Act of 2019 and the Revised Conditions of Service was signed in April 2021, but was never executed until December 31, 2021.

“The management of the national assembly has chosen to shortchange us despite signing the agreement and it is only fair that we register our displeasure by going on strike. By the time the lawmakers resume from break on January 18 and find everywhere barricaded, they will know we are serious,” the worker said.

FIJ learned that what the aggrieved staff are seeking the payment of rent subsidies, six months arrears of hazard allowance, and 15 months arrears, among others.

“While the MoU was being signed, it was agreed that the 2021 supplementary budget would be one of the major sources of money for the unpaid allowances, but all of a sudden, the management went mum and no action was taken,” the worker told FIJ.

“The members of the national assembly do not do half of the tasks we carry out on a daily basis and they get paid in full, including bonuses and allowances. Last year, members of the Senate only had sessions for 66 days out of a mandatory 181 days, yet they received all the benefits due to them.

“Despite the fact that we work round the clock to ensure a smooth sail of activities at the premises, we still get denied of payments we are naturally entitled to. Why can’t they do same for us? We have families and commitments that require financial attention too.”

The resolution to embark on strike was reached after a joint meeting was held by the national assembly and the National Assembly Service Commission chapters of PASAN on Thursday.

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