By Anayo Okoli

UMUAHIA—THE management of National Root Crops Research Institute, NRCRI, Umudike, Abia State, has faulted the strike action embarked upon by members of Non-academic Staff Union, NASU, of the institute, saying that the union members were demanding for illegal allowances not approved by the Federal Government.

NASU led by its chairperson, Mrs. Obi Nwakaego had, last week, embarked on a strike, protesting alleged non-payment of allowances to the tune of over N280 million.

According to Obi Nwakaego, who addressed the union before declaring the strike action, their grievances include the removal of 20 per cent from workers’ salaries which, she said, amounted to N280 million, among others.

“There is allowance of 20 per cent, part of the salary which workers enjoy, but surprisingly, on December, 2012, he (the Executive Director) stopped it with the reason that he had a directive from NRCN to stop it,” a reason the union did not accept.

But the management of the institute had vehemently denied withholding any allowance of any staff and accused the union members of working against the interest of the Federal Government.

Meanwhile, members of the Senior Staff Association of the Institute had dissociated themselves from the strike, saying that they were willing to perform their lawful duties.

A statement by the chairman and secretary of the union, George Okoye and Obioma Ogbonna, respectively, explained that the headquarters of the union had asked them not to join the strike.

Denying that it is owing the striking workers, the management of the institute explained that the national Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, had through a circular of January 15, 2007, consolidated salary and all allowances of tertiary institutions, added them to the basic salary and paid as lump sum.

The management expressed surprise at the demand of the union whose members were well aware of this and have been enjoying it.

“More over no fund is sent to the institute for payment of salary and allowances. Salary is paid by the office of the Accountant General of the Federation [IPPIS department] directly to staff bank accounts.