This follows threats by members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) to embark on industrial action over unresolved welfare and constitutional grievances.

In a circular issued by the Secretary of Human Resources on behalf of the Clerk to the National Assembly, staff were urged to ignore calls for strike action, with assurances of safety and warnings against “unlawful picketing” or “work-to-rule.”

The management stressed that union membership is voluntary and urged dissatisfied staff to withdraw from PASAN in line with union rules. It also defended its administrative reforms and commitment to staff welfare since taking office.

However, a group identifying as “Concerned PASAN Members” accused management of harassing union members pushing for financial transparency. They alleged threats and suspensions aimed at silencing calls for audited accounts, budget presentations, and adherence to union constitutional provisions.

The group also criticised the recognition of ousted PASAN executives, describing it as a breach of due process. They demanded the implementation of the 40% consolidated peculiar allowance approved for federal workers, provision of vehicles and buses for staff, capacity-building training, and enforcement of the National Assembly Service Pension Board Act.

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Beyond union matters, the workers raised issues of salary shortfalls, non-remittance of tax and pension deductions, and non-payment of allowances for rent, leave, hazard, and medicals.

As plenary resumes, the handling of these grievances may determine whether legislative business proceeds smoothly or faces disruption.

Source: Punch