The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the
Federal Government a four-week ultimatum to address outstanding issues
with unions in the education sector or face a nationwide indefinite strike.
NLC President Joe Ajaero issued the warning on
Monday in Abuja after a meeting with leaders of tertiary institution-based
unions. He said the ultimatum was to allow the government time to resolve all
lingering matters, including the implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN
agreement.
“If the Federal Government is sincere, labour can end
all industrial actions immediately,” Ajaero said. “But if it continues to take
workers for granted, we will have no choice but to shut down the country.”
The move comes as the Academic Staff Union of
Universities (ASUU) continues its two-week total and comprehensive
strike, which began after a 14-day ultimatum expired on September 28.
ASUU’s President, Chris Piwuna, said the strike
was over unresolved issues around staff welfare, infrastructure, salary
arrears, and the non-implementation of the 2009 agreement.
In response, the Federal Government directed
universities to enforce the “No Work, No Pay” policy and submit
attendance records of staff. A circular from the Ministry of Education
reiterated that any employee who fails to perform official duties during the
strike would forfeit their pay.
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