The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Academic and Non-Academic Staff Unions in Bauchi State-owned tertiary institutions has announced a suspension of its indefinite strike.
In an emergency congress convened at the ASUP Secretariat of Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic (ATAP) on the 9th of January, 2025, JAC Chairman Abubakar Ahmed revealed that the strike will be put on hold for four weeks, starting from the 9th of January to the 5th February, 2025.
Ahmed emphasized that the decision was made to facilitate further dialogue aimed at addressing the grievances that led to the industrial action.
The strike, which began on the 2nd of January, 2025, was in response to the Bauchi State government’s failure to implement the new minimum wage for workers under the CONPCASS and CONTEDISS salary structures in its tertiary institutions.
“Following the intervention of the Bauchi State House of Assembly and other notable leaders and stakeholders, the JAC Congress has resolved to suspend the strike,” Ahmed stated.
The institutions affected by the strike include Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Adamu Tafawa Balewa College of Education, Kangere, A.D. Rufai College of Education, Legal and General Studies, Misau, Aminu Saleh College of Education, Azare, Bauchi State College of Agriculture, and Bill and Melinda Gates College of Health Technology, Ningi.
However, the suspension comes with conditions. JAC has urged the state government to demonstrate genuine commitment by engaging with its leadership to resolve all outstanding issues within the four-week window.
The union also demanded assurances that no member would face any form of retaliation for participating in the industrial action.
“Should the government fail to meet these conditions, JAC will be left with no choice but to resume the strike,” Ahmed warned.