NLC Issues Ultimatum to Federal Government Amidst ASUU Strike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared a "no pay, no work" policy in response to the Federal Government's enforcement of a "no work, no pay" stance during the ongoing two-week warning strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). This declaration was made during a joint meeting involving various education unions, including the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), and others. The NLC has given the Federal Government a four-week ultimatum to resolve outstanding negotiations related to the 2009 agreements with these unions.

ASUU Strike: NLC hits back at FG, declares ‘no pay, no work’, gives four-week ultimatumResolve ASUU Disputes in 4 Weeks or Face Nationwide Strike, Labour Warns FGRichard Wagstaff’s response to the Government on nationwide strikes

NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, emphasized the need for the government to adhere to previously signed agreements, criticizing its history of reneging on commitments. The unions are demanding sustainable funding for education, a review of wage structures, and the protection of workers' rights. Ajaero stated, “The era of signing agreements, reneging and threatening the unions involved, that era has come to an end,” indicating a shift in the NLC's approach to negotiations.

ASUU Strike: NLC hits back at FG, declares ‘no pay, no work’, gives four-week ultimatum

If the Federal Government fails to conclude negotiations within the stipulated four weeks, the NLC plans to initiate a nationwide industrial action involving all workers across various sectors. Ajaero warned that the current crisis in the education sector extends beyond ASUU, affecting multiple unions. He noted that nearly 90% of strikes in Nigeria stem from the government's failure to honor agreements, suggesting that the NLC's new stance aims to hold the government accountable for its actions.

Resolve ASUU Disputes in 4 Weeks or Face Nationwide Strike, Labour Warns FGASUU Strike: NLC hits back at FG, declares ‘no pay, no work’, gives four-week ultimatumRichard Wagstaff’s response to the Government on nationwide strikes

The NLC's ultimatum reflects a growing frustration among unions regarding the government's handling of labor agreements. Ajaero stated, “You can’t benefit from an action you instigated,” reinforcing the NLC's position that the government should not penalize workers for crises it has caused. The NLC has also formed a coordinated campaign team to advocate for the rights of education sector workers and ensure that their demands are met.

ASUU Strike: NLC hits back at FG, declares ‘no pay, no work’, gives four-week ultimatum

Critics of the government's policies argue that the "no work, no pay" approach is punitive and counterproductive, exacerbating the ongoing crisis in Nigeria's higher education system. The unions involved have expressed dissatisfaction with the government's recent financial allocations, deeming them insufficient to address the systemic issues plaguing the sector.

Resolve ASUU Disputes in 4 Weeks or Face Nationwide Strike, Labour Warns FG

As the four-week deadline approaches, the NLC's declaration signals a potential escalation in the conflict between the government and the academic unions. The outcome of the negotiations will be crucial in determining whether the situation will lead to widespread industrial action across Nigeria's public sector.

ASUU Strike: NLC hits back at FG, declares ‘no pay, no work’, gives four-week ultimatum

• “The so-called policy of no work, no pay will henceforth be met with no pay, no work.” — Joe Ajaero, NLC President

Resolve ASUU Disputes in 4 Weeks or Face Nationwide Strike, Labour Warns FG

• “We have discovered that nearly 90% of strikes in this country result from the government’s failure to honour agreements,” he said.” — Joe Ajaero, NLC President

Resolve ASUU Disputes in 4 Weeks or Face Nationwide Strike, Labour Warns FG

• “The era of signing agreements, reneging and threatening the unions involved, that era has come to an end.” — Joe Ajaero, NLC President

ASUU Strike: NLC hits back at FG, declares ‘no pay, no work’, gives four-week ultimatum