The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige has reminded the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), which has embarked on a 5-day warning strike of the ‘no work, no pay’ policy of Federal Government.
The minister said “I wish to remind the trade unions that there is nothing like a “Warning Strike” in our National Industrial Relations System (NIRS) – a strike is a strike and is subject to all the rules governing strike in the world of work.
“Accordingly, the provisions of Section 43 of the Trade Disputes Act, CAP. T8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN), 2004, will apply regarding the law of “No Work No Pay’’ by workers/employees notwithstanding any other circumstances in any section of the Act.”
He therefore appealed to ASUP to suspend the action in the interest of the Nation and students of these institutions.
Ngige assured the polytechnic lecturers of Federal Government readiness to fully dialogue with members of ASUP.
He said that the Federal Ministry of Education has been discussing issues with ASUP on the concerns raised saying “Therefore, it is important for trade unions to embrace social dialogue in the pursuit and attainment of the economic and social interests of their members anchored on equity, natural justice and agreed procedures.”
