The Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC) has launched an indefinite strike at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in response to ongoing staff welfare concerns.
Key issues include the review of 2024 promotion exam results, the appointment of directors for public affairs and special duties, and necessary reforms to promotion examination content.
Additional demands encompass the creation of a psychology officer cadre, payment of outstanding burial expenses, provision of life insurance, repatriation allowances, and the clearance of 2022 salary arrears.
Secretary of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Ejor Michael, noted that the strike follows the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum on September 20, 2024, after management failed to address these grievances.
Despite discussions during a congress on October 4, no resolution was reached.
The union has directed all staff to cease operations, remove personal belongings, and prevent access to NAFDAC offices until their demands are fulfilled, asserting that the strike will continue indefinitely.
“After careful deliberation, Congress unanimously resolved to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike across all NAFDAC formations, commencing Monday, 7th October 2024,” the statement reads.
“Given the preceding, you are now directed to down tools by withdrawing all your services in compliance with the strike action.
“This decision results from 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 emphasises 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 now 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.”
