Workers of the West African Examinations Council in Nigeria have started an indefinite strike, shutting down offices across the country.
The strike, which began on Monday, December 9, has brought all activities to a halt, as drivers, cleaners, utility workers, and office assistants joined the industrial action.
The workers are protesting over two main issues: a demand for a 30 percent salary increase and the reinstatement of four junior staff members allegedly dismissed unfairly at the Ikeja Zonal Office.
Speaking to the press, Kayode Ogunyade, the congress chairman of the WAEC branch of the Non-Academic Staff Union, explained the workers’ demands.
“We negotiated with management for several months and agreed on a 30 percent salary increase across all cadres. However, in November, management unilaterally implemented only a 25 percent increase, which is not what we agreed on,” Ogunyade said.
He added, “This breach of trust undermines collective bargaining and workers’ rights. We also want the reinstatement of four junior workers who were dismissed after a disciplinary committee found them not guilty of the allegations against them.”
Ogunyade stated that the workers would continue the strike until their demands are met, despite threats of dismissal from WAEC management. “Workers have the right to go on strike for a just cause,” he emphasized.
The Head of the National Office of WAEC Nigeria, Dr. Amos Dangut, acknowledged the strike and a meeting held with the workers’ union on Monday.
“Our meeting was fruitful. We agreed to resolve the issues amicably, and we expect the workers to discontinue the strike,” Dangut said.
However, when asked if management would implement the demanded 30 percent salary increase, Dangut responded, “The issue is being addressed.”
Despite the management’s assurances, Ogunyade insisted the strike would continue. “We know WAEC’s financial status because we are insiders, and we believe the organization can afford more than a 30 percent increase if there is political will,” he said.
Workers have vowed to assemble daily at the gates of WAEC offices nationwide to raise public awareness about their plight until their demands are fully met.
