NAFDAC Indefinite Strike Begins Over Unmet Demands

NAFDAC Workers Embark on Strike Over Welfare, Promotion

“The Congress considers this ongoing inaction insufferable and emphasises that the industrial action will continue...”

NAFDAC Strike: Workers Begin Indefinite Nationwide Strike Over Unmet Demands - Learn more about the key issues, including promotion controversies, staff welfare concerns, and unresolved grievances.

NAFDAC workers have begun an indefinite strike due to unresolved staff welfare concerns and promotion controversies. The Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), affiliated with the Trade Union Congress (TUC), took this decision after multiple unsuccessful meetings with NAFDAC management.

Key Issues Leading to the Strike:

Reviewing 2024 Promotion Exam Results: Employees are seeking a review of the recent promotion exam results.

Appointment of Directors: The union is demanding the appointment of directors for public affairs/special duties and a training institute.

Reforming Promotion Examination Content: The workers want changes to the promotion examination content to ensure fairness and transparency.

The strike commenced after a 14-day ultimatum issued by the workers expired. A staff congress held on October 4 unanimously decided to embark on the indefinite nationwide strike. This industrial action is expected to affect NAFDAC's operations nationwide.

The NAFDAC workers' strike is gaining momentum, and their demands go beyond just better welfare and promotion. The workers are seeking the creation of a:

Psychology Officer Cadre to support the mental health and well-being of employees. They're also pushing for the payment of:

Pending Burial Expenses, showing that the agency's management has been neglecting its responsibilities.

Additionally, the workers want:

Life Insurance coverage to secure their families' futures. Another key demand is the payment of

Repatriation Allowance, which is essential for employees who have been transferred or are retiring. Lastly, they're seeking the settlement of 2022 Salary Arrears, which has been long overdue.

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) secretary, Ejor Michael, made it clear that the decision to strike came after the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued on September 20, 2024. The agency's management failed to address these grievances, leaving the workers with no choice but to take industrial action. This strike is a testament to the workers' frustration and determination to ensure their rights are respected.

NAFDAC workers have officially begun their nationwide strike, which started on October 7, 2024, after a congress held on October 4 failed to resolve the outstanding issues. Despite further deliberations, no agreement was reached, prompting the workers to take industrial action. The union has instructed all staff members to halt services immediately, remove their personal belongings from the premises, and ensure that no one enters NAFDAC offices during the strike.

Strike Instructions:

Halt Services: All staff members are required to stop working immediately.

Remove Personal Belongings: Employees must take their personal belongings from the premises.

Secure Offices: Ensure that no one enters NAFDAC offices during the strike.

The union has emphasized that the strike will continue until all their demands are met. These demands include reviewing the 2024 promotion exam results, appointing directors for public affairs/special duties and a training institute, and reforming promotion examination content, among others.

“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.”