The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has threatened to embark on industrial action in solidarity with members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) following the move by the federal government to apply the no work, no pay’ policy.
The federal government has ordered Vice-chancellors to apply the rule sparking NLC to issue a strike threat in support of the lecturers.
In a statement the workers’ union President, Joe Ajaero released, it called on the government not to apply ‘No work no pay’ rule, threatening to mobilise critical sectors to paralyse economy if the government failed to heed the request of ASUU.
“This struggle extends beyond an isolated industrial dispute. It reflects a broader societal issue. While the children of the elite attend private institutions or study abroad, the children of the working class and the poor are left in a public education system being systematically weakened.
“This creates an educational divide that limits social mobility and perpetuates inequality. An educated populace is essential for a progressive nation, and the current approach appears designed to reserve quality education as a commodity for the privileged few.
“In light of this, the Nigeria Labour Congress hereby declares its full solidarity with ASUU and all other unions in the tertiary education sector. Consequently, we state the following:
“We call on the Federal Government to immediately set aside its threats and address the core issues in the negotiated agreements with ASUU.
“We serve notice that if, after this two-week warning strike, the government remains unresponsive, the NLC will not stand idly by.
“The NLC will convene an emergency meeting with its affiliates in the tertiary education sector to develop a comprehensive strategy for engaging the government.
“The struggle of ASUU is our struggle. The fight for public education is a fight for Nigeria’s future. We will no longer allow these unions to stand alone.
“We demand that the Federal Government use this two-week window to present a concrete plan for the full implementation of all agreements.
“The choice is clear: honour the agreements and salvage public education, or face the resolute and unified force of the entire Nigerian workforce,” the labour leader declared.
