Salary Arrears: Bayelsa NUT orders teachers to stay off work

The Bayelsa State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, NUT, has directed public primary and secondary school teachers in the state to stay off work over the non payment of seven months salary arrears by the state government.

The directive by the NUT on Monday, may further delay resumption of academic activities in public schools in the state.

The teachers had embrked on a strike at the end of the 2015/2016 academic session.

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The NUT asked the teachers to shun work until their demands are met by the state government, adding that it became necessary to embark on the strike action as the 21-day ultimatum given the state government had expired on September 19.

The union, in a statement signed by Mr Kalaama Toinpre, and Mr Johnson Hector, chairman and Secretary respectively, also frowned at attempts by the state government to factionalise the union.

The NUT, which insisted that it remained the legally recognised body responsible for the agitation for the welfare of primary and secondary school teachers, said it was regrettable that the Bayelsa State government had reneged on an agreement reached in May for the payment of half salaries to workers until the state finances improve.

The union also disclosed that the state only pid full salaries for January and half for February.

By Timothy Enietan-Matthews

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