Zamfara tertiary workers threaten industrial action over unmet demands

The Forum of Zamfara State Tertiary Institutions, known as FOZASTI, has given the state government a two-week deadline to address the concerns of tertiary institution workers or risk resorting to industrial action. This ultimatum, announced in a statement by its Chairman Yusuf Magaji Mada, comes after numerous consultations focused on unresolved issues plaguing the state's tertiary institutions.

The list of demands from FOZASTI is extensive. It calls for the immediate implementation of the CONPCASS and CONTEDISS salary scales for specific staff categories. Additionally, the forum demands the payment and successful execution of the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) and Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) for eligible academic staff. FOZASTI also urges the state to proceed with staff promotions across eligible grade levels and rectify any outstanding promotion-related matters.

This ultimatum, set to commence from the date of the statement, mandates the state government to take concrete and verifiable actions towards resolving these issues. The forum warns that if the demands are not met by the end of the two-week period, it will resort to industrial action in line with the applicable labour laws and procedures.

However, the forum remains open to engaging in dialogue with the state government during this period. This development underscores the tension between the state government and Zamfara's tertiary workers, highlighting the critical need for a resolution to the pressing demands.